What does being disabled mean?

Being disabled means having an impairment. It means you have an extra challenge to overcome. You’re disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ effect on your ability to do everyday activities.

In other words, it may take you longer to do something or you may need someone to help you.  It doesn’t define you. Disabled people may experience things in their community to others that can impact their health and well-being.

This page looks at some of the issues affecting young people with disabilities and  how to access support to grow to be yourself and have fun.