disability

Feeling different due to a physical or mental disability can be difficult

What does being disabled mean?

Being disabled means having 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 upon 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. 

Some issues that may affect you as a young person with disabilities

These may include:

• Reactions from family and friends
• Targeted by dishonest adults to do things for them – maybe of a criminal or sexual nature.
• Difficulties understanding the way your disability is impacting you. Am I normal for feeling like this?
• Abuse and bullying at school/college/work
• Keeping things bottled up inside   
• Difficulties getting by day to day
• Prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes.

Some things to consider about being disabled

Some people have little or no understanding of disability and this may affect their ability to have a relationship with you. This is their problem not yours. This may be the case if you become disabled through an illness or accident not born with a disability.  

It may be difficult to start a conversation about your disability but it can help you have a closer and more honest relationship with family and friends. It is up to you IF you want to do this (or who you speak to) but remember that some people may not understand or be hostile.

Sometimes people may seem a bit over the top trying to help you. Their intentions are good and they mean well – may just be a tad painful or even embarrassing.

Thankfully, on the whole most people are good. However if you do experience discrimination or bullying there are people out there who can help you. Experiences of such discrimination can have a really bad impact on our well-being and mental health. 

Discrimination and bullying

Having a disability is known as a protected characteristic. The Equality Act 2010 means that the law protects people with protected characteristics from discrimination and being unfairly treated for being different.

Remember, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. Go to this page if you want to know more about your rights and how you can challenge discrimination.

Find out more about protected characteristics here.

Worried about bullying? Get support here
Top tips to well-being *Well-being is generally feeling well, healthy and happy with life.

 Asking for help 

• You might not like asking but people who care about you will want to help
• Ask a trusted friend, Parent/Carer or family member
• Professional - Youth Worker/Doctor/Social Worker/ Teacher or School Nurse
• Community Support Group
• Trusted Online Support Group or website

Believe in Yourself

• Focus on the positive
• Understand and challenge negative/bad feelings