A disability is an impairment that results in a change in physical or mental functioning. The limitations present a huge disadvantage with regards to functioning in society. It requires that a person receive special education and other assistance to help perform the necessary, daily activities such as learning, walking, hearing, dressing, or otherwise taking care of oneself.

How much impact a specific disability has on a person depends on his or her social, educational, psychological and physical environment. If a person receives an education based on his or her needs, has the necessary support of family and friends, and frequents places that are handicap-friendly, it makes life that much easier.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975
This was implemented to help states, schools, and parents decide whether early intervention, special education or other services apropos to disabilities was necessary. States are responsible for meeting the needs of children with disabilities. If under the IDEA, a child meets the criteria for a disability after being evaluated, that child is eligible for free, public education which fits his or her specific needs. The evaluation assesses (1) whether the child has a disability under the IDEA criteria, and (2) what special requirements the program has to meet in order for the child to learn, develop and succeed in and out of school.