International Day of Persons with Disabilities is commemorated across the world on 3 December, to highlight the challenges and barriers people with disabilities face as a result of exclusion and stigmatisation. This year, the theme is around disabilities that aren’t visible, such as mental health disorders, as well as chronic fatigue and pain. While classified as “not visible”, they can be highly debilitating, especially in the workplace. To build awareness and promote acceptance of people with disabilities, we unpack some interesting facts.

Did you know that 80% of the one billion people living with disabilities live in developing countries?

This makes it challenging for individuals with disabilities to receive effective treatment. These statistics indicate that there is still a lot of work to be done:

  • Around 46% of individuals aged 60 and older have disabilities
  • One in every five women is likely to experience a disability during her lifetime
  • One in every 10 children has a disability

Did you know that, globally, people with disabilities are among the hardest hit by COVID-19?

People with disabilities are more prone to co-morbidities and secondary conditions, such as heart or lung disease, and obesity. In addition, they find it harder to access proper healthcare. Even before the pandemic, as many as one in three people with disabilities couldn’t afford healthcare.

Did you know that neurodiversity is one of the most common invisible disabilities?

By using the term “people with disabilities”, instead of “disabled people”, you spread awareness, encourage inclusivity and focus on the human element, rather than the disability.

Did you know that you can support this cause as an individual and as an employer?

As an individual, take time to think about how you treat people with disabilities. If you know a person with a disability, speak to them, so you can understand their daily challenges.
Discuss these challenges with your children. Teach them to be kind and compassionate, accepting and inclusive.

If you’re a business owner and you employ people with disabilities, take this day to honour them. Let them tell their story and share their hardships with your able-bodied employees. If you don’t employ people with disabilities, perhaps now is a good time to consider doing so. Or arrange an awareness drive, organise a speaker for your event and donate funds towards this worthy cause.

You and your immediate family have access to the ICAS EWP which provides an omnichannel point of access.

EAP CONTACT DETAILS

CALL: 0800 000 887
INT: +27 11 912 1183
SMS: 32341
EMAIL: help@workcarewellness.co.za

Written by LifeAssist