What is the definition of disability?

There is no statutory definition of disability, but most policies will define disability as a sickness or injury not excluded under the terms of the contract. During a period of disability, the insured must be under the regular care of a licensed physician.  more

The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to any physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.  more

Disability is defined in the Social Security Act as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.  more

You must demonstrate that you are “permanently” unable to perform the duties of your job, as determined by the Retirement Agency’s Medical Board and approved by the Board of Trustees. “Permanently” is defined as lasting at least one year.  more

A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect upon their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

There are over 40 different definitions of disability in United States federal law but NIDRR is guided by the definition of disability in the ADA. The ADA definition sets out the following criteria: • a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities • a record of such an impairment • being regarded as having such an impairment. The definition lends itself to activity measures and therefore to measures of political activity.  more

The following definitions of impairment, disability and handicap are taken from the World Health Organization: Impairment: any disturbance to the bodys mental or physical structure or functioning. The impairment is characterized by a permanent or temporary loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function in a tissue, organ, limb, functional system or mechanism of the body. Disability: reduction or loss of functional capacity or activity resulting from an impairment. Disability is characterized by excesses or deficiencies of customarily expected behavior or functions and represents the objectification of impairments through their effects on everyday activities. Handicap: the disadvantage resulting from impairment and/or disability, entailing a divergence between the individuals performance or status and that expected of him by his social group.  more