11/07/2025
💬 “It is never too late to give up your prejudices.” – Henry David Thoreau
🌏 What Is Disability?
Disability isn’t always what people think it is. It’s not a single condition, a visible difference, or a fixed state. It's a broad, evolving experience — one that can affect any of us, at any stage of life.
In fact, 83% of disabilities are acquired after birth. And the impacts? They can be:
🌀 Mild, moderate or severe
🕒 Temporary, permanent or episodic
💥 Visible or invisible
Yet society often struggles to understand the complex and diverse reality of disability.
🔎 Seven Types of Disability
(Described by UK disability consultant Graeme Whippy)
Disability is grouped into seven broad categories, based on how a person may experience the world differently:
1. Sensory Impairments 👂👁
Includes full or partial hearing loss and vision impairment
Also covers conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
2. Mobility & Dexterity Impairments 🦽✋
Involves limited or no use of legs, arms, or hands
Common causes: paralysis, arthritis, tremors, repetitive strain injuries
3. Communication & Social Conditions 🗣️🤝
Includes Autism, Asperger’s, speech impairments, and facial disfigurement
These may affect communication, sensory processing, or social interaction
4. Cognitive Impairment 🧠💭
Affects how people process, perceive, and understand information
Includes ADHD, dyslexia, dementia, intellectual disabilities, and learning differences
5. Physical Health Conditions 💉🩺
May be chronic, progressive, or episodic
Includes diabetes, MS, cancer, HIV, and autoimmune disorders
6. Mental Health Conditions 🧘♀️🫂
Often invisible, but hugely impactful
Includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more
7. Multiple or Overlapping Conditions 🔗
Many people live with co-occurring conditions
For example:
70% of autistic adults experience mental health conditions
MS can involve vision, mobility, cognitive, and emotional symptoms
💡 A Global Perspective
🌍 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a neurological or mental health condition in their lifetime.
This makes mental health one of the leading causes of disability globally.
Disability touches:
🧑🤝🧑 Employees and co-workers
👨👩👧 Families and caregivers
🛒 Customers, suppliers, and clients
💬 Final Thought
Disability doesn’t discriminate —
So why should society?
By understanding the wide spectrum of disability, we can remove stigma, increase inclusion, and support real change.
> It’s time to build a world where differences are embraced, not judged.
Where support is proactive, not reactive.
And where everyone is seen, heard, and supported — regardless of ability.
From Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Hearts, Igniting HopeFrom Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Hearts, Igniting Hope
