Learners with disabilities may have a limitation in one or multiple functional domains (e.g. walking, seeing), on a spectrum from minimal to severe. The limitation arises from the interaction between a person’s intrinsic capacity and environmental and personal factors that hinder their full, effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Learners with special educational needs may have a ‘learning difficulty and/or disability that may require special education support. Countries define these needs differently’ (UNESCO, 2020a, p. 420).