The World Health Organization (WHO) describes disabilities through three key concepts:
- Impairment: Challenges related to body function or structure.
- Activity Limitation: Difficulties an individual may have in performing tasks.
- Participation Restrictions: Challenges faced in specific situations.
Disability is a multifaceted issue that reflects the broader society and culture, the environments in which we live and work, and the capabilities of our bodies and minds.
In 2011, the World Health Organization and The World Bank released the first World Report on Disability, providing the most current data on the topic. The report estimates that over one billion people, or 15 percent of the global population, live with some form of disability.
As the global population ages, these numbers are expected to rise, influenced by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, advances in medical technology that extend life expectancy, and increased reporting of disabilities.
For workplaces, the focus often shifts from the numbers to the functionality of individuals. Rather than centering on whether an individual has a disability, the emphasis is on understanding their functional abilities and restrictions—what they can or cannot do in the context of their work.
