The following are the categories and types of disabled individual recognized by the Social Welfare Department (JKM):
Categories of disability:
Physical Disability
- Loss or disability of a limb
- Muscle or joint weakness
- Unable to walk or requiring assistance with a support device (wheelchair, cane, etc.)
- Examples: amputation, cerebral palsy (CP)
Learning Disability
- Challenges in learning abilities involving cognitive, academic or adaptive functions
- Usually identified in childhood
- Examples:
- Dislexia
- Autisme (ASD)
- Down Syndrome
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Hearing Impairment
- Partial or total loss of hearing
- Need hearing aids or alternative communication such as sign language
Visual Impairment
- Blindness or limited vision even after treatment
- Examples: total blindness, severe low vision, retinitis pigmentosa
Speech Disability
- Problems with sound production, articulation or speech fluency
- Can occur due to neurological damage or damage to the muscle structure of the mouth
- Examples: severe stuttering, pronunciation problems, no speech at all
Mentally Handicapped
- Mental disorders that affect thinking, emotions and behavior
- Must be certified by a government psychiatrist
- Examples: schizophrenia, bipolar, severe depression
Multiple Disabilities
- Individuals who have more than one type of disability at the same time
- Example: Visually and physically impaired, learning and speech impaired
