International Day of Persons with Disability - 3rd Dec.

As we learn to be inclusive of people with disability and become more self-aware, empathetic  and kind we must remember that Mental disorder is one of the not visible disability. 

A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society, and making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires. Employers with strong disability inclusion programs can expect higher engagement from all employees.

Nearly 1 In 7 People On Earth Is Disabled, Survey Finds : Shots - Health News Worldwide, the most common disability for people under age 60 is depression, followed by hearing and visual problems, according to a new international survey. The study found more than 1 billion people live with some sort of disability.

A socially inclusive environment is one where everyone is welcome and permitted to establish their identity and express their feelings. Social inclusion assures that one’s opinions and experiences are honoured like anyone else’s.

With social inclusion, people:

 • Feel associated,

• Are acknowledged, accepted and recognised for who they are within their communities,

• Feel worthy of their roles in the community,

• Actively participate in the community,

• Have the right to choose their activities based on their personal preferences,

• Have the right to choose their social relationships where they choose and share common interests,

• Have companions and don’t feel left out nor be treated as an inconvenience.

Social inclusion involves:

•  Non-discrimination

• Making products, communications, and the physical environment more usable by as many people as possible, i.e. Universal Design

• Modifying and retrofitting items, procedures, or systems that would make a person with a disability

• Bringing awareness and shattering the stigma that surrounds disability

The prerequisite for achieving social inclusion is the involvement of inputs from people with disabilities along with disability-focused and independent organisations and government agencies in the programme or structural design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

There is a significant focus needed to spread awareness in the understanding of disabilities that are not visible such as mental illnesses, partial or complete visual or hearing impairments, learning and cognitive disabilities.  Studies show that two-thirds of people with these conditions do not seek professional help due to stigma and also feel that they may be discriminated, especially at the workplace. Although the pandemic has normalized some conversations around mental wellbeing, there is still a lot more that can be done.

Sad to hear of the passing away of a cousin at the tender age of 18 during this pandemic. He asked for two shawarma, his brother got it for him, he had it, went to his room and hanged himself with a smile on his face.  The trauma and the tendency of his mom to give away her life is a sad plight. 

Social isolation, loneliness, not getting enough caregiving support, lack of access to information and services, and disruption in routines are some of the common experiences among people during these challenging times. 

Self-awareness, empathy, and kindness are some of the traits that we develop when we focus towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities and this can improve our personal emotional wellness.

Here are some simple ways to get started at being inclusive: -                       

1. Create a safe non-judgemental space, where people with disabilities can have open conversations about what they are experiencing and respect their privacy
2. Listening and showing empathy during these challenging times can be valuable
3. Offer assistance but do not make assumptions about what they need, especially while offering support to people who may have hidden disabilities
4. Do not use terms such as handicapped, crippled, wheelchair-bound, physically challenged
5. At work, ensure that all communication shared with your team is accessible and disability-inclusive. 
6. Send out the meeting agenda and reference documents in accessible formats prior to any of your meetings. Or ask in advance if any attendees would require specific accommodations
7. Identify yourself by name before you speak or present. This will be helpful for persons with visual and auditory disabilities to identify who is speaking.

Inclusion can and does happen when people have positive attitudes as well as the willingness to make it happen.