Definition
A handicapped person is defined as someone who possesses one or more physical or mental disabilities that result in functional limitations. These limitations can significantly challenge their ability to gain and retain employment and can interfere substantially with major life activities, which may include tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and more.
Examples
- Physical Disabilities: This includes, but is not limited to, blindness, deafness, mobility impairments (e.g., paraplegia), cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy.
- Mental Disabilities: Such as autism, schizophrenia, intellectual disabilities, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of disabilities are considered under the definition of a handicapped person?
Disabilities can be physical or mental and must result in significant limitations on employment or major life activities. Examples include blindness, deafness, mobility impairments, cerebral palsy, autism, and schizophrenia.
Can temporary injuries qualify someone as a handicapped person?
Generally, temporary injuries do not qualify unless they substantially limit one or more major life activities for an extended duration.
What are major life activities as defined under this term?
Major life activities include tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
How does being a handicapped person affect employment opportunities?
Handicapped persons may face challenges in finding and retaining employment due to their disabilities. However, laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified handicapped candidates.
Do all handicapped persons require special accommodations?
Not all handicapped persons may require accommodations, but they are entitled to reasonable modifications that would help them perform their job duties effectively.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.
- Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.
- Reasonable Accommodation: Adjustments or modifications provided by an employer to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Comprehensive Guide to Title I, II, and III” by William D. Goren
- “Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century” edited by Alice Wong
- “No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement” by Joseph P. Shapiro
Fundamentals of Handicapped Persons: Disability Understanding Quiz
### What is the primary factor that defines someone as a handicapped person?
- [x] Having physical or mental disabilities that significantly limit major life activities.
- [ ] Achieving a work-life balance while having a minor illness.
- [ ] Being able to adapt to different work environments effectively.
- [ ] Possessing extraordinary cognitive abilities.
> **Explanation:** A handicapped person is primarily defined by having physical or mental disabilities that significantly limit one or more major life activities.
### Which of the following is considered a major life activity?
- [x] Walking
- [ ] Texting
- [ ] Reading emails
- [ ] Watching television
> **Explanation:** Major life activities include essential functions such as walking, seeing, hearing, and breathing.
### Under what circumstance might temporary injuries qualify someone as a handicapped person?
- [ ] If the injury leaves visible marks.
- [x] If the injury substantially limits one or more major life activities for an extended period.
- [ ] If it affects their vacation plans.
- [ ] If they need to stay in a hospital overnight.
> **Explanation:** Temporary injuries qualify only if they substantially limit major life activities for a significant duration.
### What legal framework requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to handicapped persons?
- [ ] Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- [ ] Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- [x] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- [ ] Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
> **Explanation:** The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.
### Which is an example of a physical disability?
- [x] Blindness
- [ ] Anxiety
- [ ] Dyslexia
- [ ] Bipolar disorder
> **Explanation:** Blindness is a physical disability, while the others are considered mental or cognitive impairments.
### How do reasonable accommodations benefit handicapped persons?
- [ ] By providing financial aid.
- [ ] By enhancing social opportunities.
- [x] By enabling them to perform job duties effectively.
- [ ] By offering them longer vacation periods.
> **Explanation:** Reasonable accommodations help handicapped persons to perform their job duties effectively by minimizing the impact of their disabilities.
### What must a disability do to qualify someone as handicapped in terms of employment?
- [x] Impose a functional limitation on employment capabilities.
- [ ] Require the use of some assistive technology.
- [ ] Be visually apparent to others.
- [ ] Create minor inconveniences at work.
> **Explanation:** The disability must impose a functional limitation on employment capabilities to qualify someone as handicapped.
### Reasonable accommodation is best defined as:
- [x] Adjustments or modifications to enable the person with disability to perform job functions.
- [ ] Financial compensation for medical bills.
- [ ] Unlimited leaves of absence.
- [ ] Charitable donations for individual support.
> **Explanation:** Reasonable accommodation refers to adjustments or modifications that enable an individual with a disability to perform job functions effectively.
### Why might not all handicapped persons need special accommodations?
- [ ] Because they can all work from home.
- [ ] Because their disabilities do not affect their job performance.
- [x] Because some can perform their job duties without modifications.
- [ ] Because all jobs are automatically adjusted for handicapped employees.
> **Explanation:** Not all handicapped persons need accommodations because some may be able to perform their job duties without any modifications.
### Which law ensures equal employment opportunities for handicapped persons?
- [ ] Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- [x] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- [ ] Civil Rights Act of 1964
- [ ] Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
> **Explanation:** The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal employment opportunities for handicapped persons, prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
Thank you for learning about handicapped persons and for participating in our quiz to test your understanding of disability-related topics! Keep practicing to deepen your knowledge and advocacy skills.
