The word disability has two definitions: a medical one and a legal one. Medically, a disability is characterized as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Legally, a disability is characterized as a disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognized by the law. The distinction between the two lies in their nuances.
Physically, I do have a condition which may limit certain but not most activities. I have a form of dwarfism which limits growth, mainly that of my extremities. That’s pretty much the only disadvantage I see or experience. I stopped growing a while ago, and now I’m 3’10”. I’m different because of my physical condition but that doesn’t make me less able bodied.
I don’t think I’ve ever thought of my dwarfism as a disability, mainly because I didn’t spend half of my childhood undergoing surgeries to correct major problems in my bone structure. I’m eternally grateful for that, but in a way, it almost feels like I’ve cheated the system. Government plans and programs still apply to me. For example, I have a blue handicapped placard hanging from the rearview mirror in my car, but not because it’s harder to walk from the far end of a large parking lot. It’s there so that I don’t have to stress about other drivers not being able to see me when they’re backing out. With such instances, I’m doing this less to justify myself, and more so to bring out a point.
An individual can have a “disability” while still being able-bodied and able to go about the tasks of their daily life. In my specific case, I feel that the word limitation is better suited to describe how dwarfism affects me. That way, it doesn’t define what tasks I can or can’t do. Rather, it identifies that an obvious condition is present, but it doesn’t prevent me from doing certain activities. Instead, I have to find and make accommodations in order to do such activities. The most present in my life right now would probably be driving a car. Without my extendable pedals or supporting back pillows, I wouldn’t be able to reach the brakes, accelerator, and steering wheel.
Personally, having a “disability” per se doesn’t define me and neither does having dwarfism. However, having dwarfism does factor into my identity far more than having a disability does if at all. At this point, it probably sounds like I’m going in circles because I am trying to collect my thoughts in a way that makes sense to not only you as my audience but to myself as well to provide an overall better distinction rather than one overall umbrella term. This way, the next time you meet or come across someone with a medically and or legally defined disability, they are a little less judged by the limits of what they can or cannot do.