I sometimes wonder whether people realise just how much discrimination disabled people encounter in everyday life. We often talk about accessibility, equality and inclusion, but the reality can be very different. Not all discrimination is obvious. Sometimes it’s being spoken to as though you cannot make your own decisions. Sometimes it’s being treated differently because someone makes assumptions about what you can or cannot do.
It can be finding that a supposedly accessible building isn’t actually accessible, discovering that public transport is difficult to use, or having to explain repeatedly why you need certain adjustments. There is also the less visible side of discrimination which is having your difficulties questioned, being made to feel that you’re asking for special treatment, or having to fight for support that should surely be a reasonable expectation.
I think one of the biggest problems is that people often judge disability by what they can see. If someone looks relatively well, they may assume that person has no significant difficulties. Yet many disabilities are invisible, variable or difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced them.
For me, the issue isn’t about expecting preferential treatment. It’s about being given the same opportunities, respect and consideration as everyone else.
I’d be interested to hear what others think.
Have you experienced discrimination that perhaps wouldn’t be recognised by someone without a disability? Do you think society is genuinely becoming more understanding, or do we still have a long way to go?
