Also known as body dimension. This dimension measures the effect of a disability on one's physical body. This can include effect on a body's structure, such as loss of a limb, or a body's function, such as loss of memory.

Impairment Dimension

This dimension measures the effect of a disability on a person's daily life. Any task or action, such as riding a bike, taking a test, or having a conversation, that is effected by a person's disability would be viewed as an activity limitation. 

Activity Limitation Dimension

This dimension measures the effects a disability has on engaging in activities that involve other people. These would include effects on work, education, and personal relationships. 

Participation Restrictions Dimension 

Under the Three Dimensions of Disability Model, disabilities can be categorized into the following dimensions. 
-	Impairment
-	Activity Limitation
-	Participation Restrictions


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A classification method developed by the World Health Organization to model the impacts of a disability on a person's life. In this model, disability has three components, or dimensions, in which effects of disability can be observed. These are based on impairment, activity limitation, and participation restrictions. Any particular disability may cause a positive or negative effect in all or only some of these categories. 





Three Dimensions of Disability Classification Model

World Health Organization. (1999, July). International Classification of Functioning and Disability Short Version. International Classification of Functioning and Disability . Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/65990/WHO_HSC_ACE_99.2.pdf;jsessionid=54763AC8EED273FF4148169E93CC5962?sequence=1. 

WHO: International Classification of Functioning and Disability

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 16). Disability and health overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability.html. 

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