[CHAT] Different abilities not disability!
Personally, I have always felt as though disability would never be something that could impact me or anyone in my family. It wasn’t until a close family member of mine was diagnosed with a progressive condition that began to affect his physical mobility that I began to question just how rare disabilities really are.
All sorts of other questions began to race through my head too - what will life be life like for him? Will he enjoy a healthy quality of life? At the end of the day, I just wanted my uncle to be happy and enjoy his life as anyone else could.
The truth is, we've all got differing abilities and what's called 'disability' is simply a part of human diversity. One in five people in Australia, almost 4 million people, have a disability of one kind - some of which people are born with, while others are developed later in life. Some can affect mobility, but often they are not visible - it could be the ability to learn things, it could be thinking processes or the ability to hear or see.
We know that discrimination has a big impact (negatively) on mental health - and there is a lot of discrimination that people with disabilities face and it's so engrained in our culture....
Due to discrimination and society generally making life hard unless you fit a certain mould - people with disabilities face low self-esteem and confidence, and can find it difficult to maintain employment and a healthy social life.
The impacts of disability can also extend to a person’s family and friends. On the positive side, it can bring a family closer together, but on the negative side, it can place heavy emotional demands on a family and affect their physical and mental health. Being a person who has battled anxiety for a long time, I find that I can become particularly overwhelmed just by thinking about how my uncle has been impacted by his disability.
One of the most crucial things to remember is that whether it be your own, or someone else’s, a person’s disability does not define them and should not stop them from achieving their goals in life.
How can we all help to create communities that are inclusive and help to address th challenges people with disabilities face in order for everyone to achieve any goals and aspirations they may possess?
Join us on the forums this Monday (1st December) at 8:00pm AEDT to discuss your thoughts and experiences with disabilities. Hope to see you there!
It's been really awesome to hear all of your experiences and ideas! I really love how discussions like these can open up new perspectives for me that I wouldn't have encountered on my own.
Here's the final question guys
9. What is one thing you have learnt from this session?
What is one thing you have learnt from this session?
I've learnt that there's still a lot to learn
@Myvo wrote:
What is one thing you have learnt from this session?
I've learnt that there's still a lot to learn
YES!
So true, sunflowers5! Hello by the way 🙂
We need much more support in the community! What has been the experience in your line of work, @sunflowers5
Wouldn't it be good if politicians actualy took notice of where their funding should go.
I am amazed by how many organisations i have come across in the community though, that not only help those with disabilities, but also mental illness, and also the aged and infirm in our communities...
Hey @Platypus23
My line of work? Not really anything! I think my experience has just been pushing myself to meet new people and thats where I basically learnt the lack or empathy and understanding we have towards things we do not know. (my perspectives have changed heaps)
haha it sure would be nice! Unfortunately we still have have to hope that happens one day!
oh wow, thats so touching to hear. Definitely a good change!
Thank you everyone for joining us tonight and you have all been so vital to this discussion. Here is the summary for those that missed the convo. 🙂 Have a blessed week everyone
- We've all got differing abilities, but how would you define disability? What are the different types?
Disability is a broad term but can be viewed as impairment, it is not a sickness it is just a different way of interacting with the world. Some types are blindness, speech, hearing, physical and learning but a disadvantage in one area can make other areas stronger.
- Do you or someone you know have a disability?
We each knew someone with a disability and discussed how support and optimism are very important to facing changes and societal views. There is stigma and discrimination associated with the term “disability” which is one of the challenges faced in society because it is such a broad term; it groups individuals together as the “same”.
- What are some of the myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities?
There are many but a few that people with disabilities are not interested or cannot have sex, that disabilities are obvious, that they are helpless, that they are not happy, that mental illnesses are not disabilities. There are many more and this site debunks the common myths.
- How can we combat these stereotypes in our everyday lives?
We can do this on a big scale or a small scale, we could start by not feeding into stereotypes, not using negative words or phrases in relation to disability, stop using the word “retarded” to describe something negative or in general conversation and gain knowledge by researching, speaking to someone who has a disability or volunteering.
- Can you think of some challenges that people with disabilities overcome?
Some of the challenges might be impaired mobility, being treated differently or less than, the stigma and discrimination, finding employment, studying, travel, sports, being dismissed and the lack of empathy because we are not in that situation.
- What are 3 important things you can think of that we as a society need to do to make our communities more inclusive?
We can start by being more understanding, accepting and speaking up and not being bystanders, we can also raise awareness about different disabilities and educate students, teachers, organisations to encourage participation and acceptance.
- Who are some role models you can think of when it comes to people with disabilities?
Some of our role models are Stephen Hawking, Stella Young, Adam Hills, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder, and Will Smith. There are many individuals out there who are inspirations and show that having disabilities should not limit oneself.
- What is one thing you have learnt from this session?
Some of the things we learnt tonight that some mental illnesses can be disabilities and the very minimal support given to them and the lack of pension and services available. There is still so much to learn and we just need to seek knowledge and awareness.
Here are some links you guys can read to further gain knowledge and understanding
http://au.reachout.com/i-met-a-girl
http://au.reachout.com/living-with-a-physical-disability
http://au.reachout.com/wellbeing/personal-identity/disability
http://www.togetherwerock.com/sites/default/files/Draper_MythsMisc_Nov1.pdf
Well, I walked in on the conversation a tad late! 😉
Serves me right for taking a stroll around the block after dinner.
Thanks for letting me know, @sunflowers5
And thanks too @Myvo
Cheers for now
sorry i couldnt join in tonight - i was working and just saw this, hope you had a good chat 🙂
I love that chart @radio_RO
@ruenhonx these discussions definitely help raise awareness, to learn more and understand disabilities better which can all help combat stereotypes.
@Myvo I agree that it's great to do a little research! Sometimes it really does just come to a lack of awareness and actively seeking our more information could definitely change one's perspective on disabilities.
2. Do you or someone you know have a disability?
Personally I have a few close family members who have a type of disability. All of them have fought really hard to stay on top of their situation and remain optimistic. It can get challenging but i'm thankful that my family are really supportive.
Hey everyone! 🙂
Do you or someone you know have a disability?
One of my best friends became vision impaired after an accident. She still manages to work and volunteer everyday which I find very inspiring 🙂
@Student94 welcome to our chat!
Sorry to hear about your best friend. It's grea tot hear that she still manages to work and volunteer. I can't say enough about how great volunteering is too.
2. Do you or someone you know have a disability?
Yup, I do know a few people that have a particular disability but they don't like to refer them as a disability as usually the word brings on stigma and discrimination from others 
