Introduction to Special Education

Basic Concepts and Terms

Exceptional Child
A child who is different in some way from normal or average child is called exceptional child.
Exceptional Children could be different from average children by some strengths, abilities,
challenges or weaknesses.

An exceptional child is one who deviates from the normal child in mental, physical, emotional
and social characteristics to an extent that he requires special educational services.

In reality, "exceptional children" are just children but they deviate from what is supposed to be
average.

Impairment
Any loss or abnormality in anatomical, physiological and psychological systems of human being
is called Impairment.

According to WHO “Impairment” is a general term used to describe a problem in the function or
structure of a person’s body due to a health condition.” It is the state of being diminished,
weakened, or damaged, especially mentally or physically. Impairment could be occurred in the
result of some pathology or accident.

Disability
A physical or mental condition that limit person’s movements, senses, or activities in the result
of impairment. A disability is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do
certain activities or interact with the world around them. These conditions, or impairments, may
be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple
factors.

Disability is a bad consequence of impairment. Usually it remains permanent in other words in

most of the cases its just manageable not treatable.

Handicap
Handicap refers to the way impairment restricts a person's functioning. It is a condition that
restricts a person's ability to function physically in a specific way.  

The World Health Organization defines handicap as a disadvantage for a given individual that
limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal.
Difference between Impairment, Disability and Handicap

David is a 4-yr.-old who has a form of cerebral palsy (CP) called spastic diplegia. David's CP
causes his legs to be stiff, tight, and difficult to move. He cannot stand or walk.

Impairment

The inability to move the legs easily at the joints and inability to bear weight on the feet is
impairment.

Disability

David's inability to walk is a disability.

Handicap

David's cerebral palsy is handicapping to the extent that it prevents him from fulfilling a normal
role at home, in preschool, and in the community as done by his other peers.

In most of the time, Handicap refers to an obstacle imposed on people by some constraint in the
environment. Older buildings that lack ramps for wheelchair access present a handicap for people who
use wheelchairs.