Disabilities affect 16 million people in the UK, impacting many aspects of their daily life, such as work, education and social interactions. This month is Disability Pride Month, an event devised to promote awareness of disabilities and bring people together to celebrate their differences. So let’s take a look at the 10 most common types of disability in the UK.
- Mobility
Nearly half of all disabled people report having mobility issues. These disabilities affect a person’s ability to move freely and can be caused by conditions like arthritis, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
- Stamina, breathing and fatigue
Energy Limiting Chronic Illness (ELCI) or energy impairment affects 35% of disabled people. ELCI is not a medical condition in itself, but a term that describes the symptoms experienced by people living with disabilities such as heart disease, lupus and Crohn’s.
- Mental health
Mental health conditions are increasingly recognised as disabilities. Recent upsurges in the number of people with mental health conditions can be attributed to better awareness, changing social attitudes and improved diagnostic practices.
- Dexterity
A quarter of people with disability state that they have dexterity issues. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries can impair hand movements, making everyday tasks challenging.
- Memory
Memory impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease affect 13% of disabled people. These conditions can significantly impact an individual’s ability to remember information, manage daily activities and maintain relationships.
- Learning
Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect how individuals process information and learn new skills. In the UK, approximately 1.5 million people have a learning disability.
- Social and behavioural
Social and behavioural disabilities include conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions can affect social interactions, communication and behaviour.
- Hearing
Hearing impairments affect approximately 11 million people in the UK, including 1.4 million who report as being disabled. These disabilities can range from mild hearing loss to complete deafness.
- Vision
9% of disabled people state that they have problems with their vision, and around 340,000 people are registered as blind or partially sighted. Vision impairments range from partial sight loss to complete blindness.
- Other
Someone of the other conditions not mentioned above include chronic pain, speech and language disorders, seizures and gastrointestinal problems.
Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity and resilience of people with disabilities. By understanding the most common disabilities in the UK, we can work towards creating a more inclusive society that values and supports everyone. Whether through improving accessibility, reducing stigma or providing tailored support, each step towards inclusion makes a significant difference in the lives of disabled people. This July lets commit to promoting disability pride and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.