Physical disabilities can be the result of a congenital condition, injury, or illness. Physical disabilities can cause mobility impairments. According to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Disability Resources and Education Services, a mobility impairment can "range in severity from limitations of stamina to paralysis." Mobility impairments can include both lower extremities, as well as arms and hands.

Some conditions that can lead to mobility impairments include:

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Back Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Having a physical disability does not mean a person is dependent or helpless. People with a physical disability do not necessarily have any problems with intellectual functioning.

Information from DRES-Mobility Impairments

According to Centers for Disease Control's Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2014, Table A-10,

• 36.2 million Americans have some sort of physical functioning disability
• A physical functioning disability is slightly more common in women