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Functional Categories
The new definition of disability helps us to understand that disability is a matter of degree: one is more or less disabled based on the intersection between herself, her functional abilities, and the many types of environments with which she interacts. The first step in this process is for providers to develop an understanding of functional abilities and limitations.
Functional Abilities and Limitations
Functional abilities refer to a person’s mental and physical abilities. Limitations in ability are limitations in mental or physical functioning. The “old” approach to disability would have defined these limitations in function as “disabilities.” Here, limitation in ability only refers to impacts on how the body or mind functions. The “new” approach to disability defines the interaction between a person’s functional limitations and the environment as creating barriers or facilitating participation, and therefore is not alone related to how bodies function. This section, however, looks at how bodies and minds function and describes the types of limitations people commonly encounter.
How a woman functions, for example, “this woman may have difficulty concentrating and following instruction” is more important than the reason for the difficulty, “this woman has an anxiety disorder.” There are many reasons people have difficulty concentrating. The solution for interacting with the person is to understand the nature of the difficulty and not its cause. With this new approach, the emphasis is on impact of a limitation rather than on the source of the limitation. This offers a more practical way of solving problems and addressing needs. Considering the practical impact of a functional limitation draws providers toward tailoring a response that is personal rather than driven by a diagnosis, which explains little about what a person can do and what a person needs.
In This Section
This section contains information providers need to know about human functions and, in particular, corresponding limitations in human function. We have organized this section around the most prevalent categories of functional abilities. A description of commonly associated limitations is covered within each category. Learning to think in terms of human function will enable providers to design courses of action for all people in a more conscious way. It also will assist in designing accommodations for individuals.
The most prevalent categories of functional abilities are:
