Disability and Chronic Illness: What's the difference?
The difference between a disability and a chronic illness, in my experience, is relatively unknown: even by the people who have them. Like many other popularly debated topics it is ripe with misinformation, bogged down by legal definitions, and downright hard to navigate. So let's break it down.
*I am also not an expert by any means in what is and is not legal in the United States. Please consult a professional for more information or for clarification on any legally binding matters.*
The legal definition of a disability in the United States is as follows: "a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity." (ADA).
So...why is this such a debated topic? In the United States, an individual with a disability is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and can also apply for federal programs such as Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability. Many people think only of an individual who is on one of these federal programs, or is physically handicapped. However, there is a portion of individuals who are not on these federal programs and still have an impairment that limits one or more major life activities- qualifying these individuals for the same protections under the ADA as those who are on the federal programs. Legally, if you fit the ADA definition, you have a disability.
The other piece to the puzzle is how a person characterizes themselves. A person who by definition can be considered disabled may not think of themselves as disabled, as the label comes with a lot of weight to it in your waking life. Someone around you may have only experienced physical disability, and an individual with an invisible disability may not fit their picture of a disabled person. An individual may have an adverse reaction to a label such as "disability", and may not use it for themselves. Regardless of all of this, however, if you fit the legal definition- you can have legal protection in the United States for your condition. This includes if you are not receiving government benefits for your condition.
The legal definition of a chronic illness in the United States is as follows: "long-term health conditions that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life." (AMA).
This definition is much more specific. A person may have a disability, but may not have a chronic illness. For example, a person missing a limb may not have a long term health condition, but would most likely fit the definition of disability. However, due to the definition of chronic illness, I believe that most or all individuals with a chronic illness have a disability. A chronic illness by definition must significantly affect a person's quality of life. A disability by definition must limit one or more major life activity. These definitions, in essence, mean nearly the same thing. Someone with a chronic illness is also legally disabled in the United States.
Things to take away from this post:
- Not everyone who fits the legal definition of "disability" considers themselves to be disabled. However, this has no impact on the legal protection they have for having that condition.
- Most if not all people with a chronic illness fit the legal definition of disability.
- These definitions are only true in the United States, as other countries have their own definitions they go by.
“Chronic Diseases.” American Medical Association, www.ama-assn.org/topics/chronic-diseases. Accessed 8 Nov. 2023.
“Chronic Illness Is Not Widely Viewed as Disability. This Needs to Change.” HGSE Office of Student Affairs, Harvard, osa.gse.harvard.edu/chronic-illness-not-widely-viewed-disability-needs-change. Accessed 8 Nov. 2023.
“Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May 2023, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html.
“University Counseling Services.” Disabilities, Chronic Illness and/or Chronic Conditions - University Counseling Services - Virginia Commonwealth University, counseling.vcu.edu/students/identity-based-resources/disabilities-chronic-illness-andor-chronic-conditions/. Accessed 8 Nov. 2023.
“What Is the Definition of Disability under the Ada?” ADA National Network, 16 Nov. 2023, adata.org/faq/what-definition-disability-under-ada.
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