Being Excluded With A Disability

Being excluded with a disability is something that affects most disabled people. From the exclusion and barriers in society, from inaccessible environments, to individual’s attitudes and stereotypes. From family, friends, work places, organisations, clubs and more, disabled people are excluded every day.

Am I Being Overly-sensitive? 

Before I start, let me set something straight. I am not overly-sensitive. I am totally against people ‘using’ their disability, race, sexual orientation as an ‘excuse’. For example, don’t blame the fact you didn’t get the job on your disability if in fact you didn’t have the qualifications necessary.

Exclusion Is Happening

Nevertheless, exclusion is happening.

In general, I count myself quite lucky with family, friends and work places. I am included. However, maybe it is just the final event that tips the apple cart. The other day I was excluded. Somehow, this final event made me realise how much disabled people are excluded. Don’t get me wrong, everyone is excluded in life at times. And it isn’t nice. However, it made me realise how many things I have been excluded in over the years, because of my disability. Being a wheelchair user. Needing a PA/nurse/carer/my Mum may be also an influencing factor?

This has never quite hit me before. Don’t get me wrong, I was hurt, and still remember many of the events, but I suppose I kind of looked at them in isolation, rather than discrimination (which in some cases I suppose it kind of is). I didn’t realise this would impact my entire life, or be something I would have to deal with for the long term. As long as I had a disability and chronic illness.

Is It Ignorance That Disabled People Are Excluded?

In some cases, I believe it is a lack of knowledge or understanding. In other cases, not, I think they have prioritised what they want to. This can be items, things, destinations, appearances etc to name a few.

I suppose if people really care about you, they should accept you for who you are, any aids you need and make any necessary adjustments.

My Advice For Non-Disabled People Wanting To Include Disabled People

• Talk to us. We are not aliens!

• Try and plan something/be inclusive. If it is hard to make one event inclusive, how hard do you think our everyday is? If you are not being inclusive, how do you think that is going to make us feel?

• Ask us if what you are planning is accessible.

• Include us. Even if we can’t go/participate, invite us and let us know we would be welcome, but you know it is unlikely we will be able to go. Maybe consider an additional small alternative we could be included in?

An example of the latter was a friend had a hen party weekend away, I couldn’t stay away, so they arranged a meal locally which I went to with some of the other girls. This made me feel included.

What can you do to include disabled people more?

Hannah x 

You may be interested in reading: Stereotypes And The Assumptions They Make