Disability is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; and a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and the features of the society in which he or she lives.
According to 2011 World report on disability 15% of the world's population live with some form of disability. About 80% of the world’s population with disabilities live in low-income countries. They experience social and economic hardships and denial of rights.
The lack of consideration for the needs of such a high proportion of the society does not only deprive persons with disabilities of their basic human rights but also deprives their communities of their contribution to the development process.
Related links
Fact sheet on disability and health | Infographics on disabilities and rehabilitation | Disabilities health topic page | Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE)
Publications
Community-based rehabilitation technical documents
Full list of publications and resources
Data/statistics
Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), 2000–2012
Years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLDs), 2000–2012
Declarations/conventions
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities