Physical Health & Ability

Why can being non-disabled and physically well be a form of privilege?

DEFINITION

Physical health is the extent to which an individual’s body is free from ailments, disease and impairments. People with chronic illnesses and physical disabilities have greater challenges in their daily lives. This can in turn affect how they are perceived by and interact with wider society.

WHY CAN BEING NON-DISABLED BE SEEN AS A PRIVILEGE?

Being non-disabled refers to a person who does not have any physical, mental, or sensory impairments. This can extend day to day advantages because many workplaces, public spaces, transport systems and social expectations are designed around people without access needs.

UNDERSTANDING ABLEISM

Ableism is centred on the assumption that disabled people and people with health conditions are inferior, in need of fixing and less competent. It defines people by their disease or disability, and is fuelled by discrimination and social prejudices rooted in the belief that people with no disabilities are superior.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIVILEGE?

I don’t have to research the accessibility of a route before my journey
When I’m having a low mood, or feeling stressed, people won’t attribute this to my physical ability
If I decide to have children, I am praised and not criticised that my physical ability will hinder my ability to be a good parent

Stats don’t lie

The disability pay gap means that people with disabilities effectively work for free for the last 2 months of the year (TUC: Disability Pay Gap Day, Nov 2019)
Life costs £583 more on average a month if you have a disability (SCOPE – The Disability Price Tag Report 2019)
19% percent of people with disabilities said they have experienced unfair treatment at work and 14% said they had experienced some form of bullying or harassment. (Equality and Human Right Commissions: Barriers to employment and unfair treatment at work, 2013)

Everyday Realities

PHYSICAL HEALTH AND ABILITY

Many aspects of everyday life are not designed around people with disabilities. Accessing services, travelling, working, or participating in social activities may be relatively straightforward for some, while requiring far more planning and effort for others.