Dear Chris
As a person with ME I was concerned to see you describe it as a condition
with a 'mental or psychological basis', and to learn that the DRC is finding
this difficult to fit with the current definition of disability. I had
thought that ME was acknowledged as 'a disability' under the DDA. Although
its cause still unknown there is substantial and growing evidence that ME
has an organic basis, and is in most cases triggered by a virus. Whatever
the cause (and not to imply that impairments caused by mental or
psychological effects are of lesser significance), this is a very real
impairment and the barriers to inclusion faced by people with ME and similar
conditions can be enormous.
Julia Cameron
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Benson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 8:11 AM
Subject: Definitions of disability
> The Disability Rights Commissions legal department is currently looking
into
> cases where an individual has an impairment that has a mental or
> psychological basis but the affects on the individual are physical such as
> those experienced by individuals with ME, Fibromyalgia or Functional
> Overlay.
>
> Cases in these areas are very difficult to fit within the current
definition
> of disability and we wish to highlight this point. We are looking for
other
> examples of this type of condition. The cases which would prove most
> problematic (from a DDA perspective) are when the impairment is not
> clinically well recognised (like the situation with ME a few years ago).
>
> I am also aware that amendments are being or have been made to the ICIDH
> definitions. Is this a source that may be of assistance and if so where
can
> the information be accessed.
>
> If anyone has any information on this area we would be very grateful if
you
> could provide us with some assistance.
>
> Chris Benson
> Disability Rights Commission
>
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