Types of DisabilityThere are three types of disabilities which are as follows[i] Cognitive DisabilityThe nature of this disability is mental since cognitive domain is related to using mental abilities and achieving results from it.It is related to impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. Intellectual functioning means person’s ability to plan, comprehend and reason while adaptive behaviour refers to applying social and practical skills in everyday life. Children suffering from dyslexia, learning difficulties, speech disorders, problem in solving math calculations, short span of attention and short of memory are said to have cognitive disability.Causes of cognitive disability are as follows\tCognitive impairment may be present at birth and may be genetic or chromosomal or result from complications of pregnancy.\tChromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome.\tGenetic abnormalities such as phenylketonuria, Hunter syndrome etc.\tPrenatal drug and infections and exposure to alcohol.\tLack of oxygen during labour pain or birth.[ii] Intellectual DisabilityThe nature of this disability is also mental since the intellectual domain is related to using the capacity of the mind. It is a disability characterised by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour. This is characterised by low intelligence quotient score (under 70) and significant problems in the ways learners adapt to new situations. It is different from cognitive because cognitive is a broad concept while intellectual disability is specific in nature.Causes of intellectual disability are as follows\tGenetic Conditions These include things like Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.\tProblems during Pregnancy This can interfere with fetal brain development.\tAlcohol or Drug Use may also cause intellectual disability.\tProblems during Childbirth Like if a baby is deprived of oxygen during childbirth or born extremely premature.\tIllness or Injury Infection like meningitis, whooping cough or measles can lead to intellectual disability. Extreme malnutrition, infections in the brain, exposure to toxic substances such as lead, and severe neglect or abuse can also cause it.[iii] Physical DisabilityThe nature of this disability is physical since it relates to physical functioning of the body parts including sense organs.This refers to the limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. This includes upper or lower limb loss, poor manual dexterity, visual impairment, hearing loss or disability in coordination with different organs of the body. Apart from these, respiratory disorders, epilepsy and sleep disorders are also considered physical disability.Causes of physical disability are as follows\tIllnesses like cancer, heart attack or diabetes cause the majority of long-term disabilities.\tBack pain, injuries and arthritis are also significant causes.\tLifestyle choices and personal behaviour that lead to obesity are also becoming major contributing factors.\tMusculoskeletal disorders also cause disabilities. Examples include spine/joint disorders, fibromytis etc.\tGenetic causes like gene inheritance can cause this disability.