March 24, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Are the Top 10 Disabilities?

Disability can affect individuals in various ways, impacting their ability to work, perform everyday tasks, or even enjoy life as they once did. For many people living with disabilities, understanding their rights and knowing how to seek legal help is crucial for managing their condition and securing compensation or benefits when necessary.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a disability in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to know the different types of disabilities that may be covered under Pennsylvania law, as well as your rights under the law. Some of the most common disabilities include the following:

  1. Mobility Disabilities

Mobility disabilities affect a person’s ability to walk, move, or use their limbs. Conditions such as arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and paralysis can severely impact a person’s daily life and ability to work. In Pennsylvania, individuals with mobility disabilities are protected under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment and public accommodations.

  1. Hearing Impairments

Hearing loss or complete deafness is another common disability that can create significant barriers to communication and social interaction. Pennsylvania law requires that reasonable accommodations be provided to individuals with hearing impairments in various settings, including workplaces, education, and public services.

  1. Vision Impairments

Blindness and other vision impairments can limit an individual’s ability to navigate daily tasks, affecting their employment, education, and general well-being.

  1. Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities, such as developmental disabilities or brain injuries, affect an individual’s ability to reason, remember, or make decisions. This can include conditions like Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, or traumatic brain injury. In Pennsylvania, those with cognitive disabilities are protected under the ADA and may be eligible for various state and federal programs for support and assistance.

  1. Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease are prevalent among individuals living with long-term medical conditions. These illnesses often cause pain, fatigue, and other physical limitations that can affect an individual’s ability to work.

  1. Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, are often misunderstood but can significantly affect a person’s life. Individuals with mental health disabilities in Pennsylvania are protected under both state and federal laws, such as the ADA and the PHRA, ensuring that they are not discriminated against in the workplace or other public settings.

  1. Cancer

A cancer diagnosis often results in significant medical treatments, including chemotherapy, surgeries, and other therapies, which can cause temporary or permanent disability. Pennsylvania law allows individuals with cancer to apply for disability benefits, and they are also protected from discrimination at work under the ADA and PHRA.

  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after a traumatic event, including military combat, accidents, or physical assaults. Those with PTSD may experience flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

  1. Stroke and Cardiovascular Disabilities

A stroke or heart condition can lead to permanent disability, impairing speech, mobility, or cognitive function. In Pennsylvania, individuals with cardiovascular conditions may qualify for disability benefits if their condition prevents them from performing work-related tasks. The PHRA ensures that individuals with cardiovascular disabilities are not discriminated against in the workplace.

  1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, often causing mobility issues, fatigue, and cognitive problems. Pennsylvania law provides accommodations for those with MS through the ADA and PHRA, ensuring that those affected are protected from discrimination in public life, including employment and access to public services.

Understanding these common disabilities is the first step in recognizing the challenges individuals face, as well as the importance of ensuring they receive the necessary support and legal protections. If you or a loved one is facing challenges related to a disability, it’s important to seek professional advice from a personal injury attorney to better understand your legal rights and options for support.

In Pennsylvania, individuals with disabilities are protected by several state and federal laws that ensure they are not discriminated against because of their condition. Here are some key protections:

  • Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA): This state law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on disability, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities in these areas.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and more. This law applies to both private employers with 15 or more employees and public entities in Pennsylvania.
  • Workers’ Compensation: In Pennsylvania, workers who are injured or develop a disability as a result of their job may be entitled to compensation under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. This program helps to cover medical expenses and lost wages for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability caused by their employment.

These laws work together to provide a comprehensive framework of protections, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can live and work with dignity and without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Understanding Your Rights as a Person with a Disability

Living with a disability, whether it’s a mobility issue, chronic illness, or mental health disorder, can present many challenges. However, Pennsylvania law offers several protections to ensure that individuals with disabilities are treated fairly and equitably. From employment rights to access to public accommodations, both the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are in place to prevent discrimination and ensure that people with disabilities have the support they need. 

Whether you’re seeking disability benefits, workplace accommodations, or legal recourse for discrimination, it’s important to know your rights and the protections available to you under Pennsylvania law.

Contact the Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers of Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for Help Today

For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Honesdale, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878

Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
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Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Honesdale
520 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 714-4878

Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878