Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare). Disability History Month is the time to understand the lived experiences of those who have disabilities. Although many are physical, some are hidden disabilities that are not initially apparent, making it hard to understand the experiences people with them have.
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, your Vice President (Welfare). Disability History Month is the time to understand the lived experiences of those who have disabilities. Although many are physical, some are hidden disabilities that are not initially apparent, making it hard to understand the experiences people with them have.
Hidden disabilities can include physical, mental and neurological conditions, with some leading those with the disabilities to struggle to move if they experience flare-ups, which the NHS says is “a period of intense pain”, noting they can last days and there’s often no pattern to them, making it difficult to plan around them.
Because of this, it’s important to promote awareness of hidden disabilities to ensure that there is a common level of understanding and empathy.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading and writing, making it difficult to process information, meaning students need more assistance and systems to recognise speech sounds and their relation to letters and words.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, more commonly referred to as PoTS, is a physical health condition where a person’s heart rate increases significantly, often when they standing up or sitting down. PoTS can affect individuals differently, with fainting and dizziness being two of the most common symptoms.
Autism is a neurological development condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is often shown in individuals by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.
Supporting Individuals with Hidden Disabilities
Understanding hidden disabilities is crucial to be able to support those with them. Here are some ways to offer support:
- Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that individuals may need more time or different adjustments to complete tasks or to respond to something. Show kindness through patience and being non-judgemental.
- Offer Assistance: Ask those with disabilities how you can help them. It is important to never assume someone wants help just because it looks like they are struggling, so please ask before doing.
- Advocate for Accessibility: we are here to lobby the university for change, but this change comes from the voice you share with us as students. Take a moment to think about how small things such as a lift being out of order could impact other people, or how someone stood up at the bus stop may need to sit down.
Lastly, if you or someone you know with a disability hasn’t received any adjustments or support plans for their degree, reach out to the Student Services via their phone number: 01332 593000, or email studentservices@derby.ac.uk.