The causes of disabilities are many and cannot always be explained. We do know that a lack of oxygen at birth can cause damages to the brain. If the mother smokes or takes drugs during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences because the drug reaches the blood circulation of the child via the umbilical cord. Sometimes, there may be genetic changes which may cause disabilities. For instance, a change in the 21st chromosome causes Down syndrome in the child. It is important to ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against in our society.
