Disability is a broad term that compares actual ability to normal functioning. It is most often used to refer to an impairment, be it physical (paralysis), sensory (blindness), cognitive (dementia), intellectual (mental retardation) or mental health (bipolar disorder). A person may be considered disabled if he or she has a condition that affects the ability to function without assistance at a level needed to maintain well-being.
The word disability is also used to refer to a number of federal and state programs that provide assistance to those who are disabled.