Disability

Disability is defined as: 

• total or partial loss of bodily or mental functions. 

• total or partial loss of a part of the body. 

• the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness. 

• the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness. 

• the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the body. 

• a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction. 

• a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or that results in disturbed behaviour. 

The definition includes a disability that: 

• exists now; or previously existed but no longer exists. 

• may exist in the future (some disabilities develop at a later date due to genetic or other factors). 

• is imputed (attributed) to a person. 

Behaviour that is a symptom or manifestation of the disability is specifically included in the definition of disability.