The dictionary definition of a disability is defined as a “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person’s ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions.”
[online] Available at: <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disability> [Accessed 4 November 2021]. It is then further categorised into four major groups which include physical, developmental, behavioural or emotional, and sensory impaired disorders. Landman, L., 2018. Four Major Types of Special Needs Disabilities. [online] https://lisalandman.net/four-major-types-of-special-needs-disabilities/. Available at: <https://lisalandman.net/four-major-types-of-special-needs-disabilities/> [Accessed 4 November 2021]. In this blog we’ll be discussing and recognising the different forms of disabilities for a deeper insight and understanding.
A physical disability is usually a lifelong impairment that affects the individual’s body, which restricts their physical performance, movability, endurance, and dexterity. Achieve Australia. n.d. What is a Physical Disability? | Achieve Australia. [online] Available at: <https://achieveaustralia.org.au/ndis-overview-and-faqs/physical-disability/> [Accessed 4 November 2021]. This can manifest in a multitude of ways for instance a reduced capability in the way they move their body, for example walking, movement of the upper body as well as sitting and standing. Some cases of physical disabilities include multiple sclerosis and spina bifida, these are usually visible to the average person and easy to identify. On the other hand, nonvisible disabilities such as those with intellectual, behaviour and sensory are not immediately apparent and as a result can be side lined or forgotten.
Namely, those with depression, ADHD and autism are invisible to most people. Often children with autism are wrongly categorized as being badly behaved, some people believe that their meltdowns are the consequence of poor parenting. This is an example of an inaccurate and ignorant assessment that people who aren’t well educated in disabilities can make up, it’s why it’s so important to dispel these stereotypes. Rather, autism is a form of development disability. Development disabilities are the result of one of the following four areas, physical, learning, language, or behavioural. Another example is down syndrome which is also classified as an intellectual disability. This is a genetic condition that occurs when a child is born with an extra chromosome and causes delays in their motor skills which then, develop slower. Malak, R., Kostiukow, A., Krawczyk-Wasielewska, A., Mojs, E. and Samborski, W., 2015. Delays in Motor Development in Children with Down Syndrome.
[online] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500597/. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500597/> [Accessed 4 November 2021].
It’s usual for those with down syndrome to also suffer from emotional or sensory overloads which leads us to the next discussion.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for “1 in 4 people with a disability, their main form of disability is mental or behavioural.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2020. People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief, About People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. [online] Available at: <https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia-2020-in-brief/contents/about-people-with-disability-in-australia-2020-in-brief> [Accessed 4 November 2021]. This includes those with bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. This form of disability effects a person’s ability to effectively acknowledge, interpret, control, and communicate fundamental emotions, which again is an undetectable disability to the naked eye. It’s why it’s so important to understand the different disabilities out there, to educate ourselves which will allow us to behave considerately and thoughtfully.
Similarly, groups of people with sensory disabilities are not always obvious. A Sensory disability is when one of your senses; hearing, sight, smell, touch, and spatial perception is impacted. Lack of sight in particular can have a huge consequence on a person’s social interaction and can hinder their ability to make friendships. It’s not unexpectedfor somebody to have more than one disability so while they are not isolated, it can magnify the experience of feeling lonely. Social cues like body language, expression and facial cues are impossible to pick up which can result in misunderstandings.
It’s the reason why we at RaiseYourSpirit work so hard to implement an encouraging and comfortable atmosphere to inspire young disabled adults to achieve their goals. It’s not uncommon for those that are disabled to face prejudice and lack of opportunities, in fact Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that working-age people with a disability have a lower employment rate (48%) than those without a disability (80%). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2020. People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief, About People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. [online] Available at: <https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia-2020-in-brief/contents/about-people-with-disability-in-australia-2020-in-brief> [Accessed 4 November 2021]. The programmes, and camps we have available at our website build and instil, the very confidence that disabled people often lack. From exciting outdoor adventures to strategies to strengthen life skills, we believe we can cater to you. Our attitude to provide functional improvement through structured creativity and play means young adults with disabilities will have the access to the support they need!
