“People with disabilities” can often reference a single population. However, this group of people is diverse with a wide range of needs.
According to the CDC, adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as adults without disabilities.
There are barriers that can make it difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to function. These barriers can include:
- Attitudinal: Stereotyping, Stigma, Prejudice, Discrimination
- Communication:
- Written messages that prevent people with vision impairments from receiving the message.
- Auditory and/or oral messages may be inaccessible to people with hearing impairments
- Technical language, long sentences, and words with many syllables that make it hard to understand for people with cognitive impairments.
- Physical: Obstacles in natural or manmade environments that prevent or block mobility or access.
- Policy: Lack of awareness or enforcement of laws and regulations that require programs and activities be accessible to people with disabilities.
- Programmatic: Limits the delivery of a program for people with different types of impairments.
- Social: The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, learn, work and age that can contribute to decreased functioning among people with disabilities.
- Transportation: Lack of adequate transportation that interferes with a person’s ability to be independent and to function in society.
Be Well – Cope with Stress in Healthy Ways
- Get mental health treatment, support services, and resources
- Stay connected to your community and loved ones
- Take care of your emotional health
- Take care of your body
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use
- Unwind and participate in enjoyable activities
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Additional Resources