Observing Disability From A Different Lens

#disability

#inclusivecare

#inclusivecommunication

For centuries, individuals with disabilities have been looked at in different ways. Some disabilities are visible, and some are invisible but still exist in society. The invisible disability symptoms are normalized and treated as if they are nothing to be concerned with. However, we see in the news everyday individuals who have never been diagnosed with mental health, intellectual disabilities, or substance use concerns taking individual's lives, their own, or participating in other illegal activities. Here are five approaches to break the stigma:

1. Do not single out individuals because what they experience is something you have never heard of. There are individual's in this world with a 1% chance of having something rare.

2. Listen to individuals when they explain their experiences.

3. Note the other factors impacting their mobility/stability, confusion, dizziness, drowsy medications state, and ability to focus because all are important to an individual's ability to experience success academically, socially, and on their jobs.

4. Accept that medications lead to the same disabling symptoms as diagnoses do. Therefore, maybe the diagnosis isn't categorized as something disabling, but the medication's could be a driving factor. Medication compliance is required to obtain disability status. Professionals should acknowledge the effect on an individual's ability to function.

5. Use more inclusive terminology when talking about disabilities. It is more than just the vegetative states, loss of limbs or deformities, deafness, blindness, etc. There are those attempting to work everyday because no one is listening, and it is leading to workplace injuries and deaths due to poor judgment. Colds, flu, chronic sinusitis, and illnesses can also cause issues.

Imagine college students or employees experiencing a cold, flu, or chronic sinus infections'; and the time loss from academics and jobs. Imagine the vitamin deficiencies they have from drinking and using illegal substances or abusing prescribed drugs. Maybe they came to college and was just started on a new medication that they have not adjusted to yet. Professionally, we need to see everything as the ability to cause harm or injury and treat it as such when maintaining the safety of the individual and others. Until we stop the culture of "you are weak" for how you are dealing with an experience, so many are continuously supporting suicides, homicides, and other criminal activity due to individuals losing income and not being able to thrive.

Join me in improving the educational experience of our students, so they can have access to information on what they need to take after drinking the night before to replenish their nutrients, so they can attend class and function at their best. Let's assess for cognitive deficits and provide accommodations on campuses. Let's make sure jobs are giving their employees time off, addressing their stress, and providing other job opportunities instead of firing them. Let's advocate for more jobs to build relationships with each other so that when they have someone experiencing a disabling situation and unable to return to work, they can have relationships with other organizations that can give that individual a job. More doing to help instead of writing off good talent.

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Disclaimer 

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It reflects the knowledge, research, and professional experience of the author, an unlicensed behavioral health expert with years of education and applied practice in leadership, behavioral health, and higher education. This content is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, or legal advice, nor should it replace the guidance of licensed professionals. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified providers for personalized support regarding their specific circumstances related to treatment and the care of diagnoses. The information has been edited and modified with ChatGPT.