Research Guides: Dimensions of Diversity: Disability & Ability

What are Disability & Ability?

Definition from the Oxford English Dictionary:

Disability

n. A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities; the fact or state of having such a condition.

Ability

n. The quality in a person or thing which makes an action possible; suitable or sufficient power or proficiency; capability, capacity to do, or of do something.

Definitions from the American Psychological Association:

Disability

n. A lasting physical or mental impairment that significantly interferes with an individual's ability to function in one or more central life activities, such as self-care, ambulation, communication, social interaction, sexual expression, or employment.

Ability

n. Existing competence or skill to perform a specific physical or mental act. Although ability may either be innate or developed through experience, it is distinct from capacity to acquire competence.

Why do social workers need to understand disability-related issues?

Social workers must have a deep understanding of disability because it is a critical aspect of human diversity and social justice. Disability affects millions of individuals, shaping their experiences, opportunities, and access to resources. Social workers play a vital role in challenging societal barriers—such as inaccessible environments, exclusionary policies, and discriminatory attitudes—that limit the full participation of individuals with disabilities. By recognizing how social structures define and reinforce ideas of ability and disability, social workers can advocate for more inclusive communities and equitable systems. This includes ensuring access to services, promoting self-determination, and supporting individuals in achieving their goals. A commitment to disability awareness enables social workers to approach their practice with respect for individuals’ strengths, needs, and rights, ultimately fostering a more just and inclusive society.

Readings on Disabiliy & Ability

The Encyclopedia of Social Work

Accommodating Students with Physical Disabilities in Higher Education Students with disabilities are becoming more and more common in higher education classrooms, including social work classrooms. The challenges that come with accommodating students so as to allow equal access to the educational experience are surmountable with the assistance of student disability offices. New technology is being developed to assist students with learning both in and out of the classroom. Supportive attitudes from faculty in including students with disabilities allow all students to benefit from the experience. As compliance with laws such as the ADA becomes commonplace for new construction, the concept of universal design makes inclusion a norm.
Blindness and Visual Impairment Significant visual impairment affects ~8 million Americans, 1.8 million of whom are blind and must find nonvisual methods of performing life roles. Social workers should not assume that people with visual impairment or blindness are unable to work, have families, or engage in sports or travel, or that vision limitations are necessarily a part of every presenting problem. Key roles for social workers include assisting in access to services and training and advocacy to combat discrimination and exclusion.
Supplemental Security Income This entry provides an overview of the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, including a discussion of who is eligible for benefits, benefit levels, and program administration. The history of the program is provided and the impact of the 1996 Welfare Reform Act on SSI is discussed. Current policy challenges and policy relevance to social work practitioners and educators are considered.
Improving the Self-Esteem and Social Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities Learning disabilities (LD) are the most common disability in public schools. Since 1975, students with learning disabilities have been eligible for a free appropriate public education, including special services such as school social work. Students with LD may be diagnosed via standardized achievement measures and clinical assessment. Despite 40 years of progress, the evidence suggests that students with LD still feel stigmatized and finish college and enter the workplace at a rate much lower than their nondisabled peers. School social workers can assist students with learning disabilities by assessing their self-esteem and social skills and then providing appropriate intervention. Self-esteem interventions should target students with LD, their parents, and their peers in the least restrictive environment. Social skills interventions may target students with LD as a separate group or provide those skills as part of universal inclusive education aimed at all children in the classroom.
Disability Theory in Context The condition of disability and disabled persons in society has shifted and transformed throughout time and history with the rise of medical interventions, capitalism, and disability advocacy. This article discusses the different theories and models that have dominated the study of disability and further explains the contributions of disability theory on disability identity, as well as the intersection of disability and race. Also, with the rise of the social model ideals, there has been an increase in advocacy and empowerment within the disability community. This article concludes with an overview of advocacy and empowerment interventions for and with individuals with disabilities and recommendations for future research in sociology.

Videos on Disability & Ability

"No Limits" from Disability Media Australia

...a frank and candid chat show that covers “everything you ever wanted to know about disability but were afraid to ask.” The show tackles a range of topics, from current events to sexuality, science, accessibility, and more. A contemporary production, No Limits documents advocacy in action, tracing the evolution, role, and influence that the media can and do have...includes seven seasons of No Limits from 2007 through 2013.

Zoom In

Zoom In is an intimate portrait of five disabled people living in the Pacific Northwest. They discuss micro-aggressions and bias against people with disabilities, developing disability pride and identity, and how bias affects them every day. The film suggests how teachers, coworkers, health care workers, and families can become better allies to members of the largest minority group in the US.

The Dandelion Shift: Seeing the Ability in Disability

In this talk, Laura Whitaker encourages us to view difference as ability, not disability. Laura Whitaker is the executive director of Extra Special People, a Watkinsville-based nonprofit that runs year-round programs and summer camps for more than 400 individuals of all abilities and their families in the Northeast Georgia area.