Should Being Disabled Mean You Should Settle For Less

Does having a disability automatically mean that you should settle for less out of life?

What The Numbers Say?

The statistics are perhaps why we might suggest that disabled should prepare to settle for less.

Currently, there is a 50% unemployment rate amongst those who are registered as disabled. This is compared to the national average of 3.9% (https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/unemployment).

Indeed, although many disabled people say that they have the same priorities as everyone else, they face significant challenges in doing so (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/320509/building-understanding-main-report.pdf).

Disabled people are far more likely to leave school without any qualifications (19.2% compared to 6.2%).

In relationships, 3% of disabled people are thought to be in stable relationships compared to 70% of non-disabled people.

According to official gov guidelines, “A substantially higher proportion of individuals who live in families with disabled members live in poverty, compared to individuals who live in families where no one is disabled.”

None of this paints a pretty picture, does it?

So should disabled people be prepared to settle for less?

Why The Numbers, Don’t Tell The Whole Story

Lets not beat around the bush, the numbers paint a pretty grim picture, don’t they?

Less likely to have qualifications, a happy relationship and a job.

So…

What’s the point of living?

Well, the stats do not tell the whole tale.

Why?

Well clearly, not all disabled people are living in poverty, single and miserable.

So NEITHER DO YOU!

Your Wellness Is The Starting Point

We are beginning to wake up to the fact that our mental health is so very important to our wellbeing.

And…

For many disabled people, staying mentally well is a real challenge.

From finding barriers in their communities, to inaccessible buildings and events without planning- it is too easy to become isolated.

And the big problem here is that is the first step in settling for less, if you are not going out, if you keep staring at the same 4 walls, you can convince yourself that is all you deserve.

So how do you combat isolation?

Getting Out And About

The key thing to do combat this feeling of isolation and by extension improve your mental health, is to get out and about.

And while getting out and about can seem tricky, there are things that you can do to make things easier.

1. Find events that match your interests

This might sound obvious but the point is important, and that is because your interests are important to you. That is why, finding people who share your interest can be great. It is a chance to show your passion and speak with confidence. It also gives you a chance to see that other people think and feel the same as you do.

2. Do your research

Everything is scary.

In your head that little devil is going, “what if?”

“What if”

“What if”

“What if”

Combating doubt and challenging your anxiety means taking the devil head on. Planning is the way to do this.

So…

If you are worried about getting into venue, call them and chat to the staff. That way, you can let them know you are coming and they can prepare the lift/ramp or anything else.

Do your research and break down the fear.

Get Into A Routine

Once you break down the fear, you should aim to get into a routine. If you find something that you enjoy, make into a regular thing.

Whether it is going to an activity group or even just down the pub, do it consistently. It will build your confidence and slowly you will branch out into new things.

For more tips about getting out and about – click here.

How Does This All Help You Not Settle For Less?

It is all about making those small steps. Once you start becoming more engaged in your community, you will see opportunities open up to you and this is where you need to be alert.

Things like volunteering, training and gaining skills can all happen if you feel confident to grasp the nettle.

You need to be mentally ready and confident to see and seize the opportunities that will come your way.

But if you a break down your fears and consistently challenging your boundaries, new opportunities won’t seem so scary.

From there it is all about taking those small steps further down the road and seeking further opportunities.

A Little Bit of Knowledge Can Really Help

The other big thing is to know your rights and know what you are entitled to. Things like knowing how to board a train and how to get the most out of train travel, can make all the difference.

Why?

Because by exercising your rights, you have better experience and you feel more confident.

Also by properly exercising your rights, you will begin to expect more and will feel more confident about asking for it.

None of It Should Cost The Earth

Money, it makes the world go round right?

And the problem is, it costs more if you are disabled.

So money can be a big reason why disabled people feel like they should settle for less.

Hell, many have less to begin with.

But by exercising your rights, you can get a better outcome and if you ensure your getting everything your entitled to, you can feel the difference.

That means that if your working (even part time), you’re getting Access to Work and Tax Credits.

Could the UK give you a better deal?

Of course they could.

But…

With what we have now, you CAN feel better, you can get more and you should not settle for less.

Make The Change Now

Here are some steps to get started:

1. Think about what you are passionate about.
2. Explore how you might service those passions.
3. Follow that.
4. Research the hell out of everything.
5. Fill yourself with confidence.
6. Take every opportunity.
7. Gain skills, knowledge and go forwards.
8. Expect more.
9. Want more.
10. Never settle for less.