Is Dwarfism Considered a Disease?

Definition and Overview

The term dwarfism is often used to describe a condition characterized by short stature. According to medical definitions, it results from a genetic or medical condition. Similarly, a disorder is defined as an illness that disrupts normal physical or mental functions. Therefore, dwarfism falls under the category of a genetic disorder rather than a disease that necessarily impairs function.

Dwarfism in the Context of Disability

In July 2016, India's new Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act included dwarfism as a new category of disability. According to the act, dwarfism is defined as a medical or genetic condition resulting in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or less. Individuals with a certified disability can access all entitlements outlined in the act, provided their disability level is 40 or above.

The ADA and Disability

Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), the term disability is a legal term rather than a medical one. The ADA defines a person with a disability as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Whether a person is classified as having a disability does not depend on whether they were born with dwarfism but rather on whether their condition limits their ability to perform major life activities.

Moreover, many people born with dwarfism find it highly offensive to be labeled as having a disability based solely on their size. Thus, whether a person is considered disabled is determined by their specific circumstances and the impact of their condition on their daily life activities. This individual-centric approach means that the ADA definition may or may not apply to any given person with dwarfism.

Understanding the Difference

A disease is described as a particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of part or all of an organism and is not due to any external injury. By comparison, many conditions associated with dwarfism, such as achondroplasia, skeletal dysplasia, or spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED), can lead to physical or functional limitations but are not considered diseases in the traditional medical sense.

Dwarfism, while a genetic disorder, does not necessarily impair physical or mental functions to the same degree as other diseases. It is a condition that may range from proportionate dwarfism due to a deficiency of growth hormone to more severe cases involving skeletal dysplasia, which can indeed cause difficulties in daily life.

Conclusion

In summary, while dwarfism may indeed be considered a genetic disorder, it is not necessarily a disease in the traditional sense. The ADA's definition of disability highlights the importance of individual circumstances in determining whether a condition qualifies as a disability. The recognition of dwarfism as a disability under certain circumstances is aimed at ensuring equal rights and access to entitlements for individuals affected by the condition.

References:
1. Dwarfism: Types, Causes, Treatments, and More
2. Disease - Wikipedia