What is a Disability?
A person has a disability if they have:
'a mental or physical impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'.
.....as defined in Definition of a Disability , document DL60, issued by the Minister for Disabled People, April 1996 .
This might include anyone who:
- is dyslexic
- is a wheelchair user
- has a mobility problem
- is deaf
- has a visual impairment
- has a clinically recognised mental health problem
- has epilepsy
- has a fluctuating condition such as arthritis
- has a progressive condition such as MS or HIV from the time when it first becomes symptomatic
- has a severe visible disfigurement
- has any other disability which significantly affects their normal day-to-day activities e.g. IBS
The impairment needs to have lasted, or be likely to last, 12 months or more. ….as defined in ‘Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education. Section 3: Students with disabilities – October 1999, Forward - Section 15'.
If you are unsure make an appointment with the Enabling Support Team to discuss your own situation.