Disability does not mean inability
Many people think that if you have a disability, you are unable to do the things that able-bodied people do. That is not true. Many people with disabilities show great determination and dependability. For those of us with disabilities, everyday life can be difficult and frustrating. The way an individual with a disability is treated in society is often a source of great injustice and inequality and the ways that we can live, work, and play are often dictated by how much support we can rely on from others around us. In the pursuit of a more just society, many are looking at how we can better accommodate and support people with disabilities, and how we can more effectively integrate people with disabilities into our broader communities.
What is a disability?
The word disability is a term that encompasses more than a physical or mental impairment. It can also be used to describe a characteristic which in some way limits a person’s ability to function in society. It can be used to describe a physical or mental condition, or a less-than-full capacity in a person to perform tasks or take part in social activities.
A disability may not be something you think about every day, but it is still a part of everyday life. You may have met someone with a disability or been one yourself. A disability can be caused by accident, illness, injury, or a combination of these. However, regardless of how it came about, disability can affect you in many ways.
The social stigma of disability
People with disabilities are often viewed as disabled and often face a social stigma. Many studies across the world have shown that ‘15% of the world’s population experience some form of disability that prevents them from reaching their goals, receiving the education and training they need to be successful or pursuing rewarding careers. One-fifth of the world’s population experiences substantial disabilities. Many people with disabilities also experience a lack of community support, discrimination, and stigma. The societal stigma of disability is a major barrier to people with disabilities from getting the supports they need to succeed in their daily lives. This stigma is so widespread that many people with disabilities feel isolated, uncomfortable, or even ashamed of their abilities. Although the law has ruled such discrimination violates the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, it still exists in very many people’s minds.
The different types of disability and how they can affect an individual
What is the difference between disability and illness? Is it a matter of perception? Do some people with disabilities consider themselves disabled, while others don’t? Is it linked to the severity? Is it the result of a physical, mental, medical, or psychological condition? Is it different for persons with the same condition? Many people believe that the answer is yes to all these questions. A wide variety of conditions and disabilities can affect a person’s quality of life. Some are rare, while others occur frequently. In our daily lives, we may be free from the effects of disability at certain times, while other times it may negatively affect our daily activities. Individuals with disabilities suffer from various types of disabilities, such as;
- Mobility/Physical
- Psychological
- Spinal Cord(SCI)
- Head Injuries (TBI)
- Intellectual,
- 6. Invisible,
- Vision,
- Hearing
- Cognitive/Learning disabilities.
People with the same specific disability can have vastly different experiences throughout their lives. People with disabilities may also suffer from medical challenges, such as; arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, and other chronic illnesses. Many of these challenges can affect someone’s ability to live as independently as they used to when they were healthy.
The most common type of disability for adults is Mobility – “motor disability”. This refers to a loss of function or movement. For example, individuals with “motor disabilities” may have a loss of use of their legs, arms, arms, and hands, or even hands and arms. In some cases, “motor disabilities” may be temporary and temporary conditions usually improve as the individual heals and rehabilitates his or her injured body part.
Some people are born with disabilities, like cerebral palsy, dwarfism, or Down Syndrome. Others are born with a disability, like lactose intolerance or a physical handicap. Still, others acquire a disability later in life.
What are the different types of support
The world has become a much smaller place as we’ve become more mobile, and disabled people can now live in communities and have greater access to education, employment, and healthcare. There are a wide variety of disabilities, each with its unique requirements.
Funded Disability support:
Shared Independent Living
Respite support
Home and Community Support
Community Day Services
Daily Personal Activities
Community Nursing
Autism Spectrum disorder support
Child Development support
Short/Medium-term Accommodation
Equipment and modifications
Hearing and Vision
Therapeutic Support
