Most Americans agree that blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis are among conditions that should be considered a disability, according to a recent survey, while issues such as depression, obesity and drug addiction are less likely to be regarded as such.
With debate taking place over Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits for disabled children and children with mental health issues, among other benefits for the disabled, the issue of what constitutes a disability has become a regular topic on the floor of both houses of Congress.
The recent Harris Poll, which asked more than 2,200 Americans where they stand on key disability issues, also found that while the majority of Democrats believe speech/language disorders, learning disabilities and cancer should be considered a disability, less than half of Republicans agree.
