Definition of Disability and Co-Occurring
Disability
- As defined by The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is “a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment” and is still currently defined by this Act.
Co-Occurring
- The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines co-occurring as the coexistence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
- The terms dual disorder or dual diagnosis refers to the exact definition but may also include any intellectual disability or physical disability in conjunction with a substance use disorder.