Disabilities

A lasting physical or mental impairment that significantly interferes with an individual’s ability to function in one or more central life activities, such as self-care, ambulation, communication, social interaction, sexual expression, or employment. For example, an individual with low vision or blindness has a visual disability.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Resources from APA

psychologist taking notes during session with patient

Guidelines on intellectual disability diagnosis in forensic settings

Approved by APA Council of Representatives, August 2026

Young blind person working at a computer in a creative space

APA Publishing Accessibility Commitment

APA Publishing promotes accessibility, guided by the ADA, the European Accessibility Act, and APA’s EDI framework

Psychologists help prepare team USA for the Deaflympics

Improving sport and performance psychology services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes

Happy disabled businessman talking to his colleague in the office

APA Policy Statement on Disability Inclusion: Combating the Stigma and Discrimination of Ableism

Combating the stigma and discrimination of ableism aligns with APA’s commitment to using psychological science to benefit society and improve lives

More resources about disabilities

What APA is doing

Smiling man in wheelchair communicating with his colleagues during a meeting at casual office

Opportunity

Disability mentoring program opens in new window

Fosters inclusive, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees to advance diversity in psychology

blind woman with guide dog talking with man while walking on sidewalk

Programs

Disability issues in psychology portfolio

Raises awareness of disability issues and promotes equal opportunities with disabled people in all areas of psychology

Smiling man in wheelchair with partner crossing a bridge.

Advocacy

Civil rights for people with disabilities

APA Services advocates for broader access to services and equitable treatment for people with disabilities

Talking about disability with inclusivity and respect

Equity, diversity, and inclusion framework

The EDI framework defines and conceptualizes equity, diversity, and inclusion for APA, articulating APA’s vision to successfully integrate EDI across the organization and the discipline.

APA Style guidelines on writing about disability

When you are writing, you need to follow general principles to ensure that your language is free of bias.