North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

How is a disability defined according to the National Criminal Justice Research?

1. A condition that requires special care

2. A physical, mental, or health impairment that limits major life activities

3. A disadvantage that restricts personal growth

4. An inability to perform any work

The correct answer is: A physical, mental, or health impairment that limits major life activities

The definition of a disability, as provided by the National Criminal Justice Research, is centered around the concept of major life activities. It encompasses a physical, mental, or health impairment that substantially limits one or more of these activities. This definition is comprehensive and recognizes the various dimensions of disability, acknowledging that it can stem from a range of impediments affecting an individual's everyday functioning. Major life activities can include tasks such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working. By highlighting that a disability may derive from mental and health impairments in addition to physical conditions, this definition is aligned with broader legal frameworks, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which seeks to ensure individuals with disabilities are afforded necessary protections and considerations. In contrast, the other options focus on various aspects of disability but don't capture the legal and social frameworks that define and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in a comprehensive way. For instance, while a condition that requires special care may be true for some individuals with disabilities, it does not address the full breadth of what constitutes a disability or its implications on life activities. Similarly, a disadvantage that restricts personal growth is too vague and subjective, and an inability to perform any work does not encompass those who