The Philippines recognizes and provides support for individuals with disabilities through various legislation and programs. The country has a comprehensive list of illnesses that fall under the category of Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
These illnesses encompass a wide range of conditions, each with its own set of challenges and requirements for assistance. In this article, we will explore the PWD list of illnesses in the Philippines and shed light on each condition.
Planning to get a PWD ID? Read the PWD Requirements and Application Guide here.
Contents
PWD List of Illness
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Deaf or Hard of Hearing refers to people with hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe. Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is the complete or partial loss of the ability to hear from one or both ears with a hearing threshold of 26 dB or greater, averaged at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kilohertz.
Individuals with this condition face communication difficulties and may require assistive devices or communication aids to enhance their hearing abilities.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability is characterized by a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may have limitations in intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, and social skills.
They require specialized support and interventions to facilitate their learning and daily functioning.
Learning Disability
Learning Disability refers to individuals who, although normal in sensory, emotional, and intellectual abilities, exhibit disorders in perception, listening, thinking, reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic.
These difficulties in specific areas of learning can significantly impact a person’s educational progress and overall academic performance. Individuals with learning disabilities often require individualized educational strategies and accommodations to optimize their learning potential.
Mental Disability
Mental Disability encompasses disabilities resulting from organic brain syndrome and/or mental illnesses, including psychotic or non-psychotic disorders.
Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders fall under this category. People with mental disabilities may require a range of treatments, therapies, and support services to manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.
Physical Disability
Physical Disability refers to a restriction of ability due to any physical impairment that affects a person’s mobility, function, endurance, or stamina to sustain prolonged physical ability and dexterity to perform tasks skillfully.
The causes of physical disabilities can be hereditary or acquired from trauma, infection, surgical or medical conditions. The following disorders are included under this category: musculoskeletal or orthopedic disorders, neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary disorders, pediatric and congenital disorders.
Individuals with physical disabilities may require assistive devices, physical therapy, or accessibility modifications to enhance their independence and quality of life.
Also Read: PWD Benefits, Discounts
Psychosocial Disability includes any acquired behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or social impairment that limits one or more activities necessary for effective interpersonal transactions and daily living.
This category encompasses conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other psychiatric conditions. Individuals with psychosocial disabilities may benefit from therapy, counseling, and support services to manage their condition and participate fully in society.
Speech and Language Impairment
Speech and Language Impairment refers to one or more speech or language disorders, including voice, articulation, rhythm, and the receptive and expressive processes of language.
Conditions such as stuttering, dysarthria, apraxia, and specific language impairment fall under this category. Individuals with speech and language impairments may require speech therapy and assistive communication devices to improve their communication skills.
Visual Disability:
Visual Disability refers to individuals with impairment of visual functioning even after treatment and/or standard refractive correction. The criteria for visual disability include visual acuity in the better eye of less than 6/18 for low vision and 3/60 for blindness, or a visual field of less than 10 degrees from the point of fixation.
People with visual disabilities may require visual aids, orientation, mobility training, and accessibility accommodations to navigate their environment effectively.
Cancer (RA 11215):
Cancer refers to a genetic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. It is characterized by the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, invade adjoining parts of the body, and spread to other organs. The Republic Act 11215 provides support for individuals with cancer, including access to medical treatments, financial assistance, and other necessary services.
Rare Disease (RA10747):
Rare Disease refers to disorders such as inherited metabolic disorders and other diseases with rare occurrence. These conditions are recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) upon recommendation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
However, catastrophic forms of more frequently occurring diseases are excluded from this category. Individuals with rare diseases often require specialized medical care, access to rare disease registries, and support networks to manage their condition effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PWD list of disabilities in the Philippines encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that affect individuals’ physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental functioning. Recognizing these illnesses is essential to provide appropriate support, accommodations, and services to enhance the quality of life and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.
The Philippine government, along with various organizations and stakeholders, continues to work towards the empowerment and welfare of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights and opportunities for a fulfilling life.