visual disability vs visual impairment

Both 'visual disability' and 'visual impairment' are correct phrases used to describe a condition where a person has difficulty seeing. 'Visual disability' is more commonly used in legal and policy contexts to refer to the impact of vision loss on a person's ability to perform certain tasks. 'Visual impairment' is a broader term that encompasses a range of vision loss, from mild to severe.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 563 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used, especially in legal and policy contexts.

"visual disability"

It refers to the impact of vision loss on a person's ability to perform certain tasks.

Examples:

People with visual disabilities may require accommodations in the workplace.
The law provides protection against discrimination based on visual disability.
Visual disability can affect a person's access to information and services.

Show examples from the web [+]

Subject: Architectural barriers and people with visual disabilities
The Commission has also recently approved a national scheme subsidising special digital television decoders for people with visual disabilities in Spain.
The application of new technologies (e.g. short message services (SMS) or pagers could also facilitate transfer of passengers with reduced mobility (such as people with hearing and visual disabilities).
This tactile-plantar route offers the blind greater independence and sends out a strong signal regarding the need to pay greater attention to those with visual disabilities.
It is almost an everyday occurrence to see works being carried out on pavements or in other public spaces or buildings without any kind of tactile indication at ground level to warn those with visual disabilities, nor are there relief maps in buildings indicating where places are.
Stresses that people with visual disabilities have the right to an independent life and full participation in society;
In reply to the Honourable Parliamentarian, the Council notes with interest the specific legal provisions in Italy and the good design practices adopted in Hungary and Greece in favour of people with visual disabilities.
The common position contains an obligation on Member States to encourage service providers to ensure that their services are gradually made accessible to people with a visual or hearing disability.
Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that audiovisual media services under their jurisdiction are gradually made accessible to people with a visual or hearing disability.
Information on a durable medium should be made available upon request in a format that is accessible to consumers with disabilities or visual impairments.
Suspected persons with a visual handicap or reading disabilities must be notified orally of their basic rights.
Persons with disabilities: visual, auditory, physical, cognitive
I have before me one such recent example: a single centre providing services to people, mainly children, with visual problems and other disabilities.
The Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that audio-visual media services under their jurisdiction are gradually made accessible to people with a visual or hearing disability.
Member States must ensure that audio-visual media services are gradually made accessible to people with a visual or hearing disability, and must submit a bi-annual report to the Commission on the progress they have made.
Please note that more than 21% of European citizens aged over 50 have serious hearing, visual or dexterity disabilities which make it difficult for them to use standard ICT equipment.
Member States shall ensure that, where a suspected person has a visual handicap or reading disabilities, the Letter of Rights is read to that person.
visual and audible information systems for passengers, which shall allow easy understanding on the part of people with visual or auditory disability.
information is provided during the journey (in a form accessible to people with visual and hearing disabilities),
Subject: Closure of Irida, the only centre in Greece for people with visual impairment and multiple disabilities

Alternatives:

vision impairment
sight disability
blindness
low vision
partially sighted

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a range of vision loss.

"visual impairment"

It is a broader term that encompasses various degrees of vision loss, from mild to severe.

Examples:

The school provides support for students with visual impairments.
Visual impairment can be caused by a variety of eye conditions.
Individuals with visual impairments may use assistive devices.

Show examples from the web [+]

Furthermore, recurrent practical training sessions should be organised for people with visual impairment in order to help them develop a sensory memory for the new currency.
Particular attention shall be paid in this regard to the needs of people with auditory and/or visual impairment.
- eye disorders: visual impairment, vision blurred, double vision
Patients experiencing dizziness, fatigue, visual impairment or other undesirable effects with a potential impact on the ability to drive or use machines safely should refrain from these activities as long as the undesirable effects persist (see section 4.8).
major diseases and disorders (e.g. cancer, diabetes and diabetes-related diseases, degenerative diseases of the nervous system, psychiatric diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, allergies, visual impairment, infectious diseases), rare diseases;
People with a visual impairment need hard and software to switch text to speech or Braille.
Did the missing person have visual impairment or wear corrective...
433, we have a visual impairment on the northwest 052 exit-door camera.
I got a friend with a visual impairment.
The content of a document shall be available without discrimination on the grounds of visual impairment, working language or operating system platform.
Particular attention shall be devoted to the needs of people with auditory and/or visual impairment.
This website shall comply with web content accessibility guidelines which take into account the needs of people with auditory and/or visual impairment.
This website shall meet web content accessibility guidelines which take into account the needs of people with auditory and/or visual impairment.
You need to inform the DVLA if you have a visual impairment and they will test you and decide whether or not you are fit to drive.
First - I can accept it's over, pretend we don't work in the same hospital, have selective visual impairment when we pass each other in the hall.
The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia or, for example, as a result of visual impairment.
Not known: proliferative retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, visual impairment
A marked change in glycaemic control may cause temporary visual impairment, due to temporary alteration in the turgidity and refractive index of the lens.
24 A marked change in glycaemic control may cause temporary visual impairment, due to temporary alteration in the turgidity and refractive index of the lens.
The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia from glimepiride or, for example, as a result of visual impairment.

Alternatives:

vision loss
sight impairment
eyesight problems
vision challenges
difficulty seeing

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

visual disability vs visual impairment