Impairment refers to a condition or state in which a person's physical, cognitive, or sensory functions are reduced, limited, or damaged. It is a general term that encompasses a range of disabilities that may affect an individual's ability to function normally in daily life. This term commonly refers to conditions that may be present at birth (congenital) or acquired later in life due to injury, illness, disease, or environmental factors.
In the context of physical impairment, it refers to the loss of functioning or mobility in certain body parts, such as the inability to walk properly or perform motor tasks. Cognitive impairment, on the other hand, refers to the decline or limitations in mental processes such as memory, attention, problem-solving, or language skills. Sensory impairment relates to the loss or reduction of one or more senses, such as impaired vision or hearing.
A person with an impairment may experience difficulties in performing everyday activities, participating in social interactions, or accessing certain resources. The severity and impact of impairments can vary significantly, ranging from mild to severe.
It is important to note that impairment is different from disability, which refers to the limitations caused by impairments within a particular social or environmental context. Impairment is a medical or functional term, while disability encompasses the social and societal implications of living with impairments.
Overall, impairment refers to the state of being physically, cognitively, or sensory compromised, and it is a term used to describe limitations or restrictions in an individual's functioning or abilities.
