Disability Awareness: Get Clued Up!
Did you know that 16 million people in the UK, around 1 in 4, have a disability? That’s a lot of people! So, what does that actually mean?
What is a disability?
The Equality Act 2010 says a disability is a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
The World Health Organisation says that disability is about how a person’s health condition interacts with the world around them. Things like negative attitudes, inaccessible places, and lack of support can all make it harder for someone with a disability.
Different types of disabilities
Disabilities can be physical (affecting the body), sensory (affecting senses like sight or hearing), or cognitive (affecting the brain). Some people are born with disabilities, while others develop them later in life due to illness, injury, or other reasons. Not every disability is visible either, these are sometimes called hidden disabilities.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with disability is different! Some people might need a lot of support, others may only need a little, while some don’t need any.
How can disability affect people?
Disability can affect people in all sorts of ways, from physical health, mobility, mental health, and well-being and communication. It can also affect things like learning, understanding information, relationships, and access to opportunities that many people take for granted.
Challenging negative attitudes
It’s important to be aware of the issues that people with disabilities might face and to challenge negative attitudes or treatment when you see it. We all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive society!
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Let’s make Wales a more inclusive place for everyone!
Want to learn more?
Check out these websites for more information and support:
Need to talk?
If you want to talk to anyone about this or want advice, support or guidance about anything else, then contact us. Meic is a confidential helpline service for children and young people in Wales. You can contact us free, by phone, WhatsApp message, text, or online chat, to talk about anything that’s on your mind.
