In this article, we aim to raise awareness of the multitude of positive differences, strengths and unique abilities that individuals with disability can bring to the work environment. We are all different, and we are all worthy of respect and compassion.
How to support someone with a disability or hidden condition:
- Educate yourself on the different types of disabilities, including physical, psychological, intellectual and neurotypes. This will help you to understand the challenges people may face and how you can support them better;
- Be supportive and offer help if or when needed. This can include offering to help them with tasks that may be challenging for them;
- Communicate in a way that works best for them. This may include using alternative forms of communication, such as sign language or Braille.
Inclusive language is an important consideration when talking about disability, but it is important not to avoid conversations about disability if you lack confidence with this. Take time to educate yourself on inclusive language so you can avoid using unhelpful words or phrases.
Always remember that the language individuals use to describe themselves is a very personal thing; make sure to listen to what individuals tell you about how they identify, and if you are ever in doubt, it is always best to ask.
Examples of disabilities can include:
- Physical Disability
The common characteristic in physical disability is that some aspect of a person's physical functioning, usually their mobility, dexterity or stamina, is affected.
There are many different kinds of physical disability, e.g. cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, cystic fibrosis, asthma and heart disease, and a wide variety of situations that people experience.
People with physical disability are usually experts in their own needs and will understand the impact of their disability Never assume that they require or want help, but if you think they might, then always ask first. When speaking, be at the same level as they are. Never assume that a person with a physical disability also has an intellectual disability. And always ask permission before touching a person’s wheelchair or mobility aid. - Vision Loss
A sensory disability, refers to significant reduction or complete loss of vision. This may affect one or both eyes and may result from various causes, including eye diseases, congenital conditions, injuries or degenerative disorders. The degree of vision loss can vary, ranging from mild visual impairments to total blindness, where an individual has no light perception or cannot perceive any visual stimuli.
Vision loss can have a profound impact on an individual's daily life, as it affects their ability to perceive and interpret visual information, navigate their environment, read printed materials and engage in activities that rely on sight. People with vision loss often use alternative methods of communication and navigation, such as Braille, screen readers, white canes and/or guide dogs.
Inclusive and accessible practices, such as providing accessible technology, tactile materials, audio descriptions and accommodating specific needs, can help individuals with vision loss maximise their independence and work autonomously. - Hearing Loss
A sensory disability characterised by a reduced or complete inability to perceive sounds in one or both ears, which may range from mild to profound. Deaf individuals, and those experiencing hearing loss, may face challenges in their ability to detect and interpret auditory information, including speech, environmental sounds and other forms of communication.
Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, aging and medical conditions. The degree of hearing loss can vary significantly among individuals, impacting their ability to engage in verbal communication, understand spoken language and, potentially, to participate fully in social and environmental interactions.
It is essential to approach deaf individuals and those with hearing loss with sensitivity, understanding and accommodation to ensure that they have equal access to communication and can participate fully in various aspects of life. Affirming and inclusive practices, such as providing sign language interpreters, captioning, assistive listening devices and maintaining clear and effective communication strategies, can significantly enhance the quality of life and opportunities for deaf individuals and those with hearing loss. - Mental Health Condition
Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that affect the mind or brain. These illnesses, which include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorders, affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. A person with a mental health condition may experience difficulty concentrating, which can sometimes be the result of medication. Try to avoid overly stressful situations wherever possible so that their condition is not exacerbated. - Intellectual Disability
A person with an intellectual disability may have significant limitations in the skills needed to live and work in the community, including difficulties with communication, self-care, social skills, safety and self-direction. Severity in intellectual disability varies, and some individuals can work in a supported environment. The most important thing to remember is to treat each person as an individual and not assume anything.
What are the strengths and differences of neurotypes?
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD individuals can be extremely creative, out-of-the-box thinkers, have excellent communication skills and periods of high focus and efficiency.
However, this penchant for divergent thinking can occasionally lead to attentional differences while focusing on a single task. Natural enthusiasm and passion can make ADHDers highly engaged in numerous interests and ideas. While this enthusiasm is a strength, it may occasionally result in difficulty sustaining attention on one task when their mind buzzes with excitement about other intriguing possibilities.
Due to the structural brain differences and brain chemistry, this can cause transient differences with executive functioning including memory, concentrating on certain tasks, time management and emotional regulation. - Autism
Autistic people are often highly logical, have good attention to detail and can be excellent at recognising patterns. They have the ability to harness hyperfocus and singular thinking.
Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. This will look differently to every autistic individual, but these differences may relate to their sensory experience and communication, with autistic individuals often valuing honesty and direct language, with attention to detail. This can sometimes mean there is an increased risk of burnout for autistic people. - Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia)
Dyspraxic individuals are often creative and very adept at devising strategies to overcome challenges. DCD can have an impact on their gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness and organisation. This can result in differences in coordination and balance, as well as challenges related to planning and time management. - Dyslexia
Dyslexia is on a continuum, sliding scale, so the presentation is very unique. Dyslexic individuals have differing abilities, with strengths in creative, problem solving and communication skills and may present with some differences in literacy skills, such as spelling, reading, and processing information. Generally, a dyslexic cognitive profile shown as a graph will be ‘spiky’ when compared to a neurotypical cognitive profile, highlighting the different thinking patterns with the dyslexic mind. - Dyscalculia
Individuals with dyscalculia often have strong strategic thinking abilities, creativity skills and a preference for words. Dyscalculia impacts how people see numbers and the ability to acquire and use mathematical skills in everyday life. This can mean individuals may experience impacts to their understanding of finances, reversing or transposing numbers and understanding/ interpreting the passing of time. - Tourette Syndrome
Touretters – an identity-first term for people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) – can have strengths with creativity, be very empathic and be high-achieving individuals. Touretters can experience tics, repeated movements and sounds that are involuntary. These can be motor tics or vocal tics and can be simple or complex, for example: eye blinking, jumping, coughing and uttering words or phrases out of context.
How can you help?
By acknowledging our individual differences and promoting inclusive practices, we can create environments that empower individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
Neurodivergent individuals and disabled individuals can benefit from a range of accommodations/adjustments in the workplace. If you would like to seek further support, a workplace needs assessment will help to consider what accommodations/ adjustments may support you.
You can support people around you by:
- Educating yourself and raising awareness of disabilities and neurotypes;
- Being aware that everybody is unique and will have different experiences;
- Asking people what their communication preferences are;
- Asking people how you can best support them.
As an individual, you can help support your friends and colleagues with disabilities and create an inclusive environment wherever you are. As a society, it is vital we live and act inclusively to ensure everyone feels valued and included.
*The word 'neurotype' refers to a type of brain, with consideration of neurobiological (brain) differences, which present as certain traits – such as the attentional differences of ADHD, for example. The word 'neurodivergent' is used to describe communities and/or individuals with certain neurobiological differences and often refers to people of a certain neurotype, such as autism, dyscalculia, ADHD, etc.
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