Health by Credo Reference: Disabilities

One of a spectrum of disorders defined by problems with communication, imagination, and social interaction. The symptoms may be present from birth or may develop in early childhood, around the third year.

Partial or complete loss of sight.

Disability caused by brain damage before or during birth or in the first years, resulting in a loss of voluntary muscular control and coordination.

Chromosomal (cytogenetic) abnormalities are the most frequent cause of congenital (present at birth) malformations, affecting some 1 in 200 newborns.

Partial or total lack of hearing. It may be present at birth (congenital) or may be acquired at any age thereafter.

Congenital disorder characterized by mild to severe mental retardation, slow physical development, and characteristic physical features.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a continuum of alcohol-induced fetal malformations.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, protects an array of individuals with disabilities at colleges and universities from discrimination by imposing comprehensive obligations on private sector employers, public services and accommodations, and transportation.

An assistance animal is one that is used to facilitate an activity by a human who is otherwise impaired in this action.

Civil rights are guarantees of equal social opportunities and equal protection under the law regardless of race, religion, or other personal characteristics.

A political ideal promoting the equal treatment, standing or status of people in certain respects.

The story of the battle of the deaf, dumb, and blind Helen Keller to break out of her solitary world of darkness and silence is an extraordinary one that has been told many times.