For instance, disabilities can include:
- mental impairments such as mental illness
- delayed learning etc.
- sensory impairments such as hearing and seeing
- physical ailments
- traumatic brain injuries
- learning disabilities
- chronic fatigue
- medication induced disorders
- and many many more.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) General Definition of a disability is:
*References: TAM I-2.2, TAM II-2.1000, TAM III-2.1000
The ADA has a three-part definition of "disability." This definition, based on the definition under the Rehabilitation Act, reflects the specific types of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities. Accordingly, it is not the same as the definition of disability in other laws, such as state workers' compensation laws or other federal or state laws that provide benefits for people with disabilities and disabled veterans.
Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who:
1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
2. has a record of such an impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.
Living life with a disability covers a range of emotions and experiences that are almost limitless! It is rarely "easy", but we want you to know that life with a disability is not insurmountable, in fact, we have a vast amout of personal accounts from people with a disability that will be contributing to this blog. They live full, productive, mainstream lives. We call it Independent Living.
Now we would like to introduce the Independent Living Philosophy to you. Independent living is participating in day-to-day life, living where you choose and making decisions that lead to independence through self-determination.
Millions of people all over America who experience disabilities have established lives of independence. They fulfill many different roles in their communities, from employers and employees to marriage partners, parents, students, athletes, politicians, taxpayers-the list is unlimited. In most cases, the barriers facing these people haven't been removed, but these individuals have been successful in overcoming or dealing with them.
Independent living should not merely be defined in terms of living on one's own, being employed in a job fitting one's capabilities and interests, or having an active social life. Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail and to learn from one's failures just as non-disabled people do.
Our goal here, is to help others gain employment, increase life skills, break down barriers, help you to find ways to successfully transition into "Life".
We want to hear your comments on experiences that you have found helpful in becoming successful or those experiences that have limited or held you back from living life to your fullest ability.
Please use our "comments" option below or send us a question using the "Ask Us A Question" box on the left side of the screen.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Brenda and Sharon
