#Disability Support

Intellectual and developmental disability support workers know… What it feels like to make a positive difference in someone’s life. - How rewarding it is to make close relationships with people, their families, and other professionals. - That no two days are the same. - The opportunities for career development, training, and personal progression. - How much damn fun it is to be a direct support worker! Thank you to @benjmcintosh and @zac.carley for sharing a glimpse into the above. Go follow Ben and Zac immediately. #downsyndrome #autism #intellectualdisability #developmentaldisability

You’re doing great – Reassures the child that their efforts are noticed, boosting confidence and motivation. You’re very strong – Highlights their inner resilience, helping them feel capable and proud of themselves. You make people smile – Shows that they have a positive impact on others, reinforcing social connection and self-worth. I’m so glad you’re here – Confirms they belong and are valued, creating a sense of safety and acceptance. Your hard work is inspiring – Encourages perseverance and self-esteem, helping them see that their effort matters and can make a difference. I’m proud of you – Celebrates their effort and accomplishments, reinforcing that they are recognized and supported. #disabilityawareness #inspirational #inclusion #specialneeds #parenting

Secret Disability Support! Access to Work Q&A! Answering your questions about the Access to Work scheme here in the UK! It's a government grant for working disabled and/or chronically ill people that nobody tells you about. It's there to help disabled people or those with chronic health conditions get or stay in paid work and gives you support whilst at work. I applied last summer and it's made such a difference to my working life and you guys have had LOADS of questions so I wanted to share everything I have learnt with you including the process, the equipment you can get and all about support workers. Head over to my YouTube channel for the full video! If you have any further questions please drop them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer! My lovely friend @disabilitywithbailey is currently going through the process as an employee as opposed to someone who is self employed like me so make sure to check out Bailey's page for updates & another perspective! Have you heard about Access to Work? What's your experience been with it? Let us know in the comments! #AccessToWork #Disability #ChronicIllness #DisabledLife #Disabled #DisabilitySupport

When people say things like “I feel so sorry for you,” what they’re really telling me is that they view disabilities as tragedies... My disability is NOT a tragedy. Period. Full stop. But you know what IS a tragedy?? All the ableism, inaccessibility and stereotypes that disabled people face every single day as we try to navigate a world that wasn’t built for us — and a world that routinely AND actively excludes us. Disabled people don’t want your pity. We don’t need you to feel sorry for us because ours is a powerful, passionate, diverse community full of the most BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE in the world... ♿️🙏🏻🌎 #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilitypride #disabled #disabledlife #disabledandproud #disabilities #ableism #fyp #reels

When I got to high school, I was lucky enough to have a teacher who really saw me. She took the time to understand how I learn and how to help me be the best version of myself. Her support changed everything for me. Inclusive education isn’t just about being in the same classroom. It’s about being valued, understood, and given the chance to reach your full potential! Every student deserves that!! The more we listen, learn, and make space for everyone, the stronger and more creative our schools (and our world!) become!! ❤️ Honored to have the opportunity to share my story at the ATEC Conference in Halifax last month! Thank you so much for having me!! 🥰 #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #EducationForAll #DisabilityAdvocate #InclusiveEducation #disabilitysupport

With International Wheelchair Day coming up, let’s talk about ambulatory wheelchair users. ♿️ Hi, I’m Georgina, and I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user. I can walk, but not always, and not without pain or fatigue. Some days I only use my wheelchair for longer distances. Other days, I need it the entire time I’m out. Did you know that around one third of wheelchair users are ambulatory wheelchair users? For many of us, a wheelchair isn’t about whether we can walk. It’s about managing pain, conserving energy, and being able to actually participate in life. So if you see someone stand up from their wheelchair, it doesn’t mean they don’t need it. It simply means disability isn’t defined by a single moment. What’s something you wish more people understood about disability? 🤔💬 #InternationalWheelchairDay #AccessibilityMatters #AmbulatoryWheelchairUser #AccessibleSpaces #DisabilityAwareness

"I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure" ✨️ Show your support by leaving some ❤️❤️❤️ in the comments #disabilityawareness #disabilityforlife #disabledchildren #specialneedskids #specialneedsfamily #raredisease #raregeneticdisorder #chromosome8p #chromosomedisorder #invdupdel8p #8pInvDupDel #agenesisofthecorpuscallosum #intestinalmalrotation #autism #corticalvisualimpairment #cerebralpalsy #hypotoniaawareness #onedayatatime #pediatricwheelchair #dmitherapy

Disabled people deserve to take up space! We deserve to have equal rights and to feel welcomed in the world! On international day of persons with disabilities, today, I choose to celebrate. I am celebrating all disabled people and their beauty and resilience! We deserve to have a more accessible future! To have complete bodily autonomy. Equal pay, equal access, and to live their lives how they want! We know our bodies best! What’s something you’re proud of, being a person when a disability? #disabled #internationaldayofpersonswithdisabilities #disability #IDPWD #Chronicillness #ChronicillnessAwareness #Invisiblelliness #Invisiblelliness #DisabilityRights #DisabledAndProud #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityAdvocacy #DisabilityHistoryMonth #Disabled #DisabilityJustice #disabledjoy #disabledfashion #disabledqueer #disabledvoices #disabilityawareness

Things Disabled People Are Expected To Do That Non-Disabled People Would Never Be Asked Here are things disabled people are expected to do that non-disabled people would never be asked. Once you notice them, you cannot unsee them. 1. Prove our disability on demand Non-disabled people are never asked to list symptoms, injuries, or diagnoses just to be believed. Yet disabled people get questioned about mobility aids, parking, time off, and adjustments as if our lives are court cases. 2. Be grateful for the bare minimum A lift that works, a ramp that is not blocked, a toilet you can actually get into. These are treated like luxuries, not access. No one else is expected to be grateful for simply being able to enter a building. 3. Plan everything around other people’s comfort We are expected to avoid being an inconvenience. To take the longer route, or the harder option, so no one has to move a chair or hold a door. Non-disabled people do not have to apologise for existing. 4. Justify needing rest or support Non-disabled people can say they are tired and nobody asks for evidence. Disabled people say they are tired and it becomes a debate, a judgement, or an accusation. 5. Accept reduced opportunities with a smile Jobs, events, education, social plans. Disabled people are expected to be understanding when something is not accessible or equitable. As if we should be grateful to be included at all. 6. Teach everyone else about disability for free We get asked to explain policy, access, language, and lived experience at any time, even by people who could easily look it up. Non-disabled people are never expected to be walking encyclopaedias of their identity. 7. Stay positive so other people do not feel awkward We are expected to soften the truth so it is easier for others to hear. Non-disabled people are allowed to have bad days without being inspirational or disappointing. What else would you add to this list from your disabled or chronically ill life? Your insights help people understand the reality behind the expectations.

“You don’t seem that disabled.” “Why do you need support workers?” A lot of disabled people hear this because people often judge disability by what they can physically see in a brief moment. But cerebral palsy isn’t just about movement. It’s a nervous system condition that can involve chronic pain, fatigue, spasticity, anxiety, and huge energy expenditure just to get through daily life. Many of us become very good at pushing through, masking struggle, adapting, and surviving in bodies under constant strain. But functioning doesn’t always mean coping. And capacity can fluctuate. Some days we can do things independently. Other days pain, fatigue, illness, or increased spasticity can reduce our capacity to the point where we genuinely need help, and that’s okay. Support shouldn’t only be reserved for people society perceives as “disabled enough.” Support exists so disabled people can live meaningful, connected, sustainable lives without reducing our wellbeing just to appear independent.

Reminder that anyone can become disabled at any age, any time, physically or mentally, visible or not. And if you live long enough, you 100% will. #psoriaticarthritis #mobilityaiduser #disabilitycommunity #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnesswarrior #dynamicdisability