Polio - The Late Effects Reality

DEFINITIONS OF IMPAIRMENT, DISABILITY AND THE LATE EFFECTS OF POLIO

1. Impairment

Impairment is the functional limitation within the individual caused by physical, mental or sensory factors (Gooding, 1994).

2. Disability

The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the mainstream of the community on an equal level with others due to physical or social barriers (Barnes, 1994).

3. Late Effects of Polio (LEP)

This is defined as the degenerative effect of the neurological system following a period of stability after an incidence of paralytic Polio. The effects, although neurological in source, demonstrate themselves mainly in physical symptoms, i.e.:

• severe pain in muscles and joints
• lack of strength, with increased muscle weakness and extreme fatigue
• respiratory difficulties, often with problems related to sleep
• severe intolerance to the cold
• decline in ability to walk or carry out customary daily activities

Commentary:

The assumption used in this report is that, whilst it is agreed that some people have impairments, it is not these impairments that "disable" them. Rather, it is the barriers and attitudes, that exist to separate them from the rest of society, which disables them. The fact that a person is unable to walk is not the problem – the problem is the inaccessible shops, social facilities, colleges, housing, transport and discrimination in employment. People with disabilities call this the "Social Model of Disability". This model states that if these barriers, which prevent people with impairments from participation on equal terms, were removed then "disability would not exist".