Q1. Explain the terms impairment, disability and handicap. Describe the constitutional and legal provisions for the rights of persons with disabilities in India.
- Impairment is a problem in body function/structure, a deviation or loss (e.g., loss of limb).
- Disability is a restriction in activity performance, resulting from an impairment (e.g., difficulty walking).
- Handicap is a social disadvantage from impairment/disability, limiting role fulfillment (e.g., inaccessible buildings).
- Indian Constitution: Articles 14, 15, 16 (equality), Article 21 (dignity), Article 41 (right to education, public assistance for PwDs).
Answer: Understanding the concepts of impairment, disability, and handicap is fundamental to disability studies, providing a framework to analyze the impact of health conditions on individuals. These terms, while often used interchangeably in common parlance, possess distinct meanings within an academic and legal context, particularly as defined by frameworks like the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH-1) by the World Health Organization. **Impairment** An...