Sometimes a disability is obvious, and sometimes it is hidden. Physical and sensory disabilities are most often obvious. Physical disabilities often result in a person using special equipment like a wheelchair or prosthetic limb. Persons with physical disabilities may have difficulty with movement or self-care. Another type of disability that people are familiar with is sensory disabilities.
Sensory disabilities affect the senses and include blindness and deafness.
Other disabilities are not easily noticed. These are sometimes called hidden disabilities and include psychiatric, cognitive and health-related disabilities. The category of psychiatric disabilities includes bipolar disorder, depression, and many others. Cognitive disabilities can vary considerably and are most often difficult to see. Learning disabilities are in this category.