HiLCoe School of Computer

DRB2503A

Title-Causes of impairment and Vulnerability

Group members

- Benti Semlagn

-Biruk Mulugeta

-Amanuel Yohannes

- Khalid Roble

Submitted to- Ewnetim Kassaye

Date: - April 23/2026

Addis, Ababa

Table of Contents

Page

Acronyms 1

1. Introduction 2

2. Summary 2

3. Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses. 4

4. Insights and Reflection 5

5. Conclusion 7

6. Reference 7

Acronyms

Page 1

1. Introduction

This review examines section 1.3 of Chapter 1 from the inclusiveness module titled “Understanding Disability and Vulnerability”. The selected section focuses on the causes of impairment and vulnerability. Throughout this review, we avoid the use of the words “disabled” and “impaired” as instructed, instead using respectful terms such as persons with health conditions, individuals with functional limitations, and people experiencing vulnerability.

2. Summary

divided into two main parts: causes of impairment and causes of vulnerability.

2.1 Causes of Impairment

The section explains that in low-income countries such as Ethiopia, many people still mistakenly believe that impairment results from curses, sin, or divine punishment. However, scientific research classifies causes into two major categories:

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A. Biological causes – These are genetically induced factors including:

· Abnormalities in genes and genetic inheritance (e.g., Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities)

· Diseases, illnesses, or over-exposure to X-rays causing genetic disorders

· Pre-term and underweight birth leading to various forms of impairment

B. Environmental causes – These include:

· Poverty and starvation leading to malnutrition and lack of healthcare during pre- and post-natal periods

· Use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco by pregnant mothers, as well as exposure to toxic chemicals or illnesses such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, and syphilis

· Childhood diseases like whooping cough, measles, and chicken pox that may cause meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in brain damage

· Toxic materials such as lead and mercury

· Accidents (drowning, car accidents, falls, landmines, war) causing loss of sight, hearing, limbs, or other vital body parts

2.2 Causes of Vulnerability

The section identifies the following as the most known contributing factors to vulnerability:

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· Poor governance

· Poverty

· Discrimination

· Inequality and inadequate access to resources and livelihoods

These factors increase the likelihood that certain groups (e.g., children, pregnant women, elderly, malnourished individuals, and those who are ill) will suffer harm during disasters or in everyday life.

3. Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

3.1 Strengths

· Scientific grounding: The section correctly rejects superstitious beliefs about impairment and presents evidence-based biological and environmental causes.

· Clear categorization: Dividing causes into biological and environmental makes the content easy to understand and teach.

· Relevance to Ethiopia: The mention of poverty, lack of healthcare, and cultural misconceptions directly addresses the local context.

· Recognition of vulnerability factors: Including poor governance, discrimination, and inequality shows a broad understanding that vulnerability is not just individual but systemic.

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3.2 Weaknesses

· Lack of recent data: The section does not provide specific statistics for Ethiopia beyond a general 17.6% figure earlier in the chapter. Recent prevalence data would strengthen the argument.

· No mention of protective factors: The section focuses only on causes, ignoring factors that reduce impairment or vulnerability (e.g., maternal nutrition programs, vaccination, inclusive policies).

· Overly brief treatment of vulnerability: While four causes are listed, they are not explained in detail or supported with examples or case studies.

· Absence of intersectional analysis: The section does not discuss how multiple causes (e.g., poverty combined with discrimination) interact to increase vulnerability disproportionately.

· No reference to intervention or prevention: The section describes problems but offers no solutions or recommendations.

4. Insights and Reflection

After reviewing we offer the following insights:

· Cultural awareness is essential: In Ethiopia, many communities still attribute impairment to supernatural causes. Any effective awareness campaign must respect local beliefs while gently introducing scientific explanations.

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· Poverty is the root of many environmental causes: Malnutrition, lack of prenatal care, and exposure to toxins are all linked to economic hardship. Reducing poverty would directly reduce many causes of impairment.

· Vulnerability is often invisible: A person may appear healthy but be vulnerable due to poor governance or discrimination. Teachers and policymakers need training to recognize these hidden vulnerabilities.

· Prevention is possible: Most environmental causes – such as childhood diseases, lead poisoning, and maternal alcohol use – are preventable through public health measures. Ethiopia should invest more in vaccination, maternal health, and workplace safety.

· Language matters: Avoiding words like “disabled” and “impaired” forces us to think of people first. Referring to “persons with health conditions” reminds us that impairment does not define a person’s worth or potential.

We suggest that future revisions of this module include a section on prevention strategies and successful interventions from other low-income countries.

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5. Conclusion

Section 1.3 of the inclusiveness module provides a clear, scientifically based overview of the causes of impairment and vulnerability. Its strengths include logical categorization, local relevance, and rejection of harmful superstitions. However, it lacks recent data, detailed examples, and any discussion of prevention or protective factors. Despite these limitations, the section serves as a useful introductory resource for university students in Ethiopia. Understanding these causes is the first step toward creating a more inclusive society – one where people with health conditions are not blamed for their circumstances and where vulnerability is reduced through good governance, poverty reduction, and equal access to resources.

6. Reference (APA style)

Addis Ababa University, College of Education and Behavioral Studies, Department of Special Needs Education. (n.d.). Inclusiveness: Chapter 1 – Understanding disability and vulnerability (Section 1.3, pp. 5–7) [Unpublished teaching module]. Addis Ababa University.

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