How is a disability defined in relation to a handicap?

The definition that a disability may or may not include a handicap provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between the two concepts. A disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, whereas a handicap is typically viewed as a disadvantage or barrier resulting from the disability when interacting with the environment or society.

The distinction here is crucial because not everyone with a disability experiences a handicap. For instance, an individual may have a disability but still participate fully in their personal and professional life, perhaps through accommodations or supportive measures in their environment. Therefore, the presence of a disability does not automatically confer a handicap, as the individual's ability to navigate their environment can greatly mitigate any potential disadvantages.

This understanding highlights the importance of considering both individual capabilities and societal structures when discussing disabilities and their impact on life, thus affirming that disabilities and handicaps are related but not synonymous concepts.