Section 23.4 Disabilities Objectives Identify the three most common physical disabilities. Explain how the rights of people with disabilities are protected.

Myth People with physical disabilities always need someone’s help. Fact Most people with physical disabilities can function independently. Allow a person with a physical disability to take the lead when performing a particular task. Wait for the person to perform the task independently or to ask you for help. What other misconceptions do you think people hold about disabilities?

Types of Disabilities A disability is any physical or mental impairment that limits or reduces normal activities, such as attending school or caring for oneself. The three most common physical disabilities are impaired vision impaired hearing impaired mobility

Impaired Vision The leading causes of vision impairment in the United States are diabetes cataracts (cloudiness in the lens) glaucoma (pressure buildup in the eyeball) macular degeneration Macular degeneration is a condition affecting the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans. Technologies enable some people with vision impairment to see more clearly. Unfortunately, not every type of vision impairment can be treated at this time.

Impaired Hearing Some causes of hearing impairment include birth defects genetic disorders exposure to excessive noise ear infections Tinnitus is a condition in which ringing is heard in the ears, even when there is no external sound. You can protect your hearing by limiting your exposure to loud sounds, such as those at music concerts, car races, or sports events.

Impaired Mobility Diseases In children, impaired mobility can be caused by diseases such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Multiple sclerosis can develop in young people and may result in impaired mobility. In the elderly, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease are common causes of impaired mobility. Injuries Paralysis of the arms or legs due to injuries to the brain or spinal cord is a major cause of impaired mobility.

Living With Disabilities People with disabilities have the same life goals as people who do not have disabilities. An important move toward integrating people with disabilities into the workplace and community came in 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees the civil rights of Americans who have physical or mental disabilities.

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Vocabulary disability Any physical or mental impairment that limits or reduces normal activities. macular degeneration A condition affecting the retina of the eye; the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans. tinnitus A condition in which ringing is heard in the ears, even when there is no external sound. Americans with Disabilities Act A federal law that guarantees the civil rights of Americans who have physical or mental disabilities.

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End of Section 23.4 Click on this slide to end this presentation.