Which term describes the disadvantage experienced due to societal attitudes and environmental obstacles?

• A. Impairment
• B. Disability
• C. Handicap
• D. Rehabilitation

Answer: (C)

The main idea is distinguishing between a medical condition and the social/environmental barriers that limit participation. The term that captures the disadvantage created by societal attitudes and environmental obstacles is handicap. It reflects how external factors—such as stigma, inaccessible buildings, or policies that exclude—interact with an impairment to hinder full participation in daily life. For example, someone with a mobility impairment may be able to move and perform tasks, but if a building lacks ramps or elevators or if transportation is not accessible, they experience a handicap because the environment and society create barriers.

Impairment refers to the actual medical or physiological condition—a loss or abnormality of body structure or function. Disability describes the functional limitations in activities resulting from the impairment. Rehabilitation is the process aimed at reducing barriers and improving function.