7 Things Everyone Should Know About People with Disabilities

Millions of Australians live with a disability, but there are still many of us who are unsure about what to do or say when we meet a person with a disability. People with disabilities deserve respect and inclusion in society, and it’s important that we take steps to ensure our spaces are as accessible as possible so that people with disabilities can enjoy all the same activities as us. We have compiled a list of seven things you should know about people with disabilities, so you can be better informed and advocate for disabled people in your workplace, school or community. 

What is a disability? 

Disability can refer to many degrees and types of impairment, limitations and participation restrictions. A broad definition is a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment that, in combination with other factors, may hinder a person’s full participation in society on an equal basis with others. 

Disabilities can be permanent or temporary. Some disabilities are present from birth, while others can develop later in life. Disabilities can also be acquired as a result of an accident, illness, or injury. Some disabilities affect a person’s physical body, while others are intellectual. Certain conditions will impact both.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability. This is one in six people worldwide. In Australia, around 6.8 million Australians (or 40 per cent of the population aged 18 years and over) report having a disability or long-term health condition. 

Physical disabilities

A physical disability refers to an impairment to a person’s body structure or function. They can often result in limited mobility and motor control. Physical disabilities can also result in related health problems, such as difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, problems with sexual performance, and mental health issues. 

Some common physical disabilities include:

• Amputations and loss of limbs
  Losing a limb can pose a significant challenge, whether through a birth defect or through an accident or disease. 
• Cerebral palsy
  Cerebral palsy includes a range of problems with movement and motor skills.
• Cystic fibrosis
  This genetic disorder affects the lungs and digestive system.
• Epilepsy
  Epileptic seizures can significantly impact a person’s quality of life; however, medication and surgery options are available to control seizures.
• Neural tube defects
  Some common NTDs are spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele. These are birth defects that significantly impact a person’s physical health.

Intellectual disabilities

An intellectual disability is a condition that affects a person’s intellectual skills or brain function. It can also alter their behaviour in different situations. Most people with an intellectual disability are born with it. Intellectual disabilities can result in a person having difficulty in understanding, communication, problem-solving, and memory. It can also impact a person’s social and emotional skills. However, it’s important to remember that people with an intellectual disability still have the same feelings and aspirations as everyone else, and they deserve respect and opportunities. Some examples of intellectual disabilities include:

• Down syndrome
  Down syndrome is a genetic disorder where a person has an extra chromosome, resulting in a range of physical and intellectual differences.
• Fragile X syndrome
  This is a genetic condition that causes intellectual issues such as difficulty with speech and hyperactive behaviour.
• Rett syndrome
  Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that affects brain development, mostly in girls. 
• Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
  FASDs are a group of conditions that occurs when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. This normally results in problems with behaviour and learning. 

Intellectual disabilities are different to mental health conditions. People with intellectual disabilities are usually limited by their cognitive ability. Mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, cause disturbances in thought processes and perception. 

7 things to know about people with disabilities

Being educated about disability allows you to be a better ally and advocate for people with a disability in your community. Stay informed and engaged. 

1. Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes

When it comes to disability, there are no one things that all disabled people share in common. Disability can affect anyone and can present in a variety of ways, with some disabilities having minimal impact on a person’s life and others creating significant challenges. No type of disability is “better” or “worse” than another, and having a certain disability does not make you unable to participate in society. Additionally, it’s worth remembering that some disabilities commonly occur alongside others.

2. People with a disability can and want to work 

In the past, people with a disability – especially an intellectual disability – were assumed to be unable to contribute meaningfully to society and the world of work. But today, people with disabilities are increasingly seen as important parts of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Although not everyone with a disability will be able to have a job, many of them can and want to work. It is important for employers to offer opportunities and make reasonable adjustments so that a person with a disability can take part in the workforce. 

3. You cannot always see a person’s disability

In fact, most disabilities are invisible. Often people think of disability as an obvious physical impairment, but up to 75 per cent of people with a disability do not have any obvious signs of having one. Some examples of invisible disabilities include learning differences, hearing and vision impairments, cognitive dysfunctions, and more. It is important that when a person identifies as having a disability, they are not dismissed on the grounds that their disability is not visible. 

4. Disabilities don’t prevent people from forming relationships

There is often a perception that people with a disability are more socially isolated than other people, but this does not have to be the case. Everyone with a disability has thoughts, feelings and an inner life that they would like to share with other people. Dating with a disability does present its own set of challenges, but many people with a disability date, fall in love, get married and start a family. 

When you see a person with a disability, do not feel awkward or be unwilling to engage them in conversation. People with disabilities have plenty of interesting things to say and experiences to share.   

5. Sometimes, environments are more challenging than disabilities

People with disabilities often report that their disability itself is not their greatest challenge – it’s the world around them. Having a disability does not need to cause issues for a person, but when people are exclusionary or rude and places are not set up in a way that accommodates different abilities, it can be difficult. Unfortunately, some people can still be ableist and insensitive to people living with disabilities. Public places are not always as accessible as they should be, although this is improving throughout Australia.

Everyone can reduce these challenges by educating themselves on disability, being mindful of being respectful and inclusive, and trying to make sure that the environments you frequent – such as your workplace, school, university, and local shops and restaurants – offer options to accommodate disabled people. 

6. Ask first before trying to help

Often, people will be well-intentioned when they want to help a person with a disability, but this can come across as dehumanising, infantilising, and disrespectful. It assumes that a person with a disability is helpless and in need of assistance when that person is likely to be confidently and capably moving through the world in their own way.

If you see a disabled person, do not automatically assume they need help. If there are signs that they may be in need of some assistance, you can politely offer your help. Don’t be offended if they refuse, and don’t try to help them anyway. Never take the arm of a person or offer any unsolicited physical contact. If a person uses a service animal, do not approach or touch the animal without permission. Remember that disabled people have the right to personal space as much as anyone else.

7. Everyone has the right to be treated equally

The most important thing to remember about people with disabilities is that they are human beings who have the right to respect and equal treatment. Discrimination against disabled people is illegal and extremely harmful to society. 

Always treat a disabled adult as an adult. Never assume they cannot do something or won’t understand you. Disrespect, insults, and physical and emotional abuse are completely unacceptable. 

Ensure that when interacting with a person with a disability, you acknowledge and accept their disability. Especially in the case of people with invisible disabilities, they can often feel like they are not being believed or taken seriously when they talk about the challenges they are facing. Never be dismissive or uncaring of a person sharing what their experiences are. 

Finally, when you meet a person with a disability, try to relax! Many people are worried about doing or saying the wrong thing, which can cause them to avoid interactions with disabled people altogether. But this only leads to more exclusion and social isolation. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong occasionally – try your best, be respectful, and ask if you’re unsure.

The importance of “International Day of People with Disability”

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. It is a day to recognise the contributions and achievements of people living with a disability. In 2022, the United Nations theme for International Day of People with Disability was “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.”

International Day of People with Disability has been celebrated since 1992. In Australia, it is an important day to recognise the millions of Australians who have a disability and the unique contributions that they make to our diverse society. The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services, funds a national program to help promote and raise awareness of this day. IDPwD is recognised and celebrated in schools, businesses, organisations, public institutions and community groups around the country. 

In 2021, the federal government launched Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, which includes key actions on improving the lives of people with disability. The Strategy’s vision is for an inclusive Australian society that ensures people with disability can fulfil their potential as equal members of the community. In developing the strategy, people with disability were asked what areas needed improvement in Australia. These became the key outcome areas for the national strategy. The areas are:

•     Employment and financial security
•     Inclusive homes and communities
•     Safety, rights and justice
•     Personal and community support
•     Education and learning
•     Health and well-being
•     Community attitudes.

How Homage can help

The dedicated and experienced Care Pros at Homage are available to provide assistance to people with a disability who need help to experience their best lives. Our disability support services allow people to live independently in the comfort of their own homes and community, with respectful and friendly assistance that empowers people with disability. Regardless of physical or intellectual disability, or degenerative diseases, the Homage Care Pros can help to find the best solution to meet your needs.

Some of the services included in our disability support offering are:

• Personal care: assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, toileting, eating and getting dressed to help people with a disability stay happy and healthy at home.
• Community participation: staying active and getting out into the community to improve social connections and allow people with a disability to do the things they love.
• Medical transport: transport to and from medical appointments and treatment with a safe and experienced escort.
• Companionship: conversation and company with a caring person who ensures a person with a disability is engaged, stimulated, and able to take part in activities and outings.
• Check-in visits: for those who are the primary carer of their loved one with a disability, we offer peace of mind with check-ins and updates on your loved one, so you know they are safe and thriving.

Disabilities can pose numerous challenges to the people living with them, but their experiences can be much more difficult when people and the environment are not inclusive and accessible. Remember that people with disability are just you – and they are fantastic people to be around!