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Hidden Disabilities: Let’s Break it Down
Those with hidden disabilities make up the majority of the disabled community
When you hear the word ‘disability’, most people think of wheelchairs, service dogs, or some other form of visible aid. However, this isn’t the case for the vast majority of disabled people In the UK alone, 1 in 5 people are considered to have some form of disability, but a huge 80% of these people have what are classed as hidden disabilities. This means that their disability isn’t immediately visible.
So, we know what defines a hidden disability, but what are some examples? Some common non-visible disabilities include Autism, Crohn’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as well as mental health conditions such as Anxiety and Depression.
Living with a disability is difficult and people face many challenges. Disabled people have difficulty carrying out everyday activities, such as self-care, shopping, cooking and cleaning. However, living with a hidden disability can be difficult for other reasons. Without visible evidence of a disability, the struggles people face are often ignored, leaving disabled people feeling exhausted and isolated.
Not every disability is the same, so different people will have individual support needs. It may sound obvious to say that every person is different and therefore requires different types and levels of care and help, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case when it comes to accessing support.
As a result of often being unable to access the correct support, many disabled people now ‘mask’ in society. This means either intentionally, or unintentionally, disabled people will hide their difficulties, or ‘mask’ them, in order to fit in, or appear as though they aren’t struggling. This might be difficult for people to understand but when people live their lives struggling and receive little to no sympathy and understanding for their condition, it is often easier to hide and pretend as though these struggles don’t exist. Unfortunately, masking carries its own difficulties and although it may be helpful in the short term, it can lead to bigger long-term problems for disabled people.
© Hidden Disabilities Store
Whereas some people with hidden disabilities choose to mask, others opt to wear a visual aid to make people aware of their disability. After living through the Covid-19 pandemic, most people will be aware of the sunflower lanyard and have probably seen people wearing them while out and about. The sunflower lanyard scheme began in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport and was a way of identifying which passengers may need additional help while travelling. The sunflower lanyard is now recognised across all airports, supermarkets, cinemas, sports venues and more. During the pandemic, hidden disabilities became a huge talking point, and some believe that the sunflower lanyard was taken advantage of, further adding to the issues that disabled people, particularly those with hidden disabilities face on a day-to-day basis.
Knowing all of this, it is important to think about how many of us have come across or know somebody with a hidden disability. What changes can we make in order to support those with hidden disabilities? As a community, we can help raise awareness of hidden disabilities in many ways. Increasing our knowledge and taking the time to listen to the voices of disabled people is the first step towards making changes, and creating a more understanding and accessible world for those with hidden disabilities.
In the fast-paced and diverse business landscape of today, inclusivity holds the key to extraordinary achievements, going beyond being just a buzzword. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of individuals with disabilities, you have the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation in your business brand, setting it apart from the competition.
Below are five ways people with disabilities can become powerful catalysts for skyrocketing your business brand:
1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: People with disabilities bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation. Their diverse experiences and adaptive thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas that resonate with a broader audience, elevating your brand to new heights.
2. Cultivating Enhanced Customer Empathy: Employing individuals with disabilities fosters a deeper understanding of your customers’ diverse needs and preferences. This empathy fuels the development of products and services catering to a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting customer loyalty and enhancing your brand’s reputation.
3. Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: With a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities, creating authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns becomes second nature. Representation matters, and consumers connect more profoundly with a brand that embraces diversity and reflects the real world.
4. Nurturing an Empowering Workplace Culture: Embracing diversity cultivates a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, respect, and open-mindedness. This welcoming environment attracts top talent, boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall success.
5. Making a Positive Social Impact: Actively promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities positions your business as a force for positive social change. Modern consumers appreciate brands that align with their values, and your commitment to empowering people with disabilities will garner genuine support and unwavering loyalty.
Integrating people with disabilities into your workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can propel your business brand to unprecedented heights. By leveraging their unique talents and perspectives, you have the potential to cultivate a brand that stands out, deeply connects with customers, and makes a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive society.
Hansel Enmanuel is a true embodiment of inspiration, defying all odds to excel. Not only is he a viral internet star, college student, and immigrant to the United States, but he also stands out as a Division I college basketball player, achieving all of this with only one arm.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Enmanuel faced a life-changing accident at the age of six, resulting in the loss of his left arm. Despite this setback, he refused to let it define him and discovered his passion for basketball. Moving to the United States at 16, with limited knowledge of English, presented another challenge, but he tackled it with unwavering determination.
As a tall and gifted athlete, Enmanuel’s talent for dunking caught attention during his high school days at the Life Christian Academy in Florida. His internet fame skyrocketed, amassing over 4 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined.
Though highly accomplished, doubts from college coaches initially clouded his path. However, he persisted, earning a place at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. His journey in Division I college basketball started with modest beginnings, but his dedication and hard work were evident in every practice and game.
On the court, Enmanuel’s unique sense of balance and tenacity set him apart from his teammates. His astounding rebound and dunk during a game against the University of Louisiana Monroe left the crowd in awe, but the humble athlete remained focused on his defensive responsibilities.
In the face of success and popularity, Enmanuel’s work ethic remained unshakable. He rejected any special treatment, choosing to be treated like any other teammate when it came to discipline and responsibilities.
Despite not mapping out this extraordinary journey as a child, Hansel Enmanuel has become an inspiration to countless individuals around the world. Through perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding passion for basketball, he has proven that greatness knows no limitations. As his college career progresses, the attention he receives is bound to expand even further, allowing his story to reach and inspire even more people.
Hansel Enmanuel’s tale is a reminder that with the right attitude and determination, anything is possible, and dreams can be achieved regardless of the challenges life throws our way.
Campaigners have faced a disappointing outcome in their High Court battle against the government’s decision not to implement evacuation plans for disabled residents living in high-rise buildings. The Claddag campaign group had hoped for a legal requirement to have escape plans in place for those who might face difficulties in safely evacuating during emergencies.
However, the government’s Home Office conducted a consultation and concluded that the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry would be excessively expensive and impractical to put into action. Instead, they are now exploring an alternative solution.
Back in October 2019, the chairman of the Grenfell Inquiry recommended a legal obligation for owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings to create “Peeps” (personal emergency evacuation plans) specifically tailored to residents with mobility issues or sensory impairments, such as visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments.
This recommendation was prompted by the tragic Grenfell fire in June 2017, which claimed 72 lives, with 41% of the deceased being disabled residents of the tower. In response to the inquiry’s suggestions, the Home Office initiated a consultation to consider implementing the Peeps proposals. However, in May 2022, the government decided not to make Peeps a legal requirement, citing concerns about practicality and cost.
Claddag, an organisation founded by two disabled tower-block residents, Sarah Rennie and Georgie Hulme, contested this decision through a judicial review at the High Court in December. The government’s legal representative argued during the hearing that they were still consulting on the proposals, and a final decision had not yet been reached.
Recently, Mrs. Justice Stacey delivered her judgement, stating that the government had indeed decided against implementing the Peeps recommendation. However, she emphasised that the government had the right to make such a decision after carefully considering the fire-safety implications versus the associated costs.
In response to the ruling, the founders of Claddag expressed their disappointment, accusing the government of putting financial concerns above the lives of disabled individuals and leaving them without a means of escape in high-rise buildings.
A Home Office spokesperson welcomed the court’s decision, explaining that it would allow them to move forward with plans to enhance the safety of residents who may have difficulties evacuating during emergencies. They are currently reviewing responses to a public consultation on Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing Plus, an alternative approach to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, to determine the best course of action to safeguard those who may struggle to self-evacuate.
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