6 Everyday challenges for people with disabilities

Imagine waking up every day to a world that isn’t built for you. For many people with disabilities, that’s just reality. From job hunting to making plans with friends, things that should be simple come with extra hurdles. And most of the time, these challenges go unseen by others. 

1. Being underestimated 
   People with disabilities are often overlooked for jobs, assumed to need constant help, or seen for what they "can't" do instead of what they bring to the table. These attitudes limit opportunities and can be frustrating to deal with daily.
   
   
2. Accessibility
   When people hear "accessibility," they think of ramps and lifts. But it’s also about making websites easy to use, adding subtitles to videos, and designing spaces that work for everyone—including those with sensory needs or cognitive disabilities.
   
3. Social barriers & isolation
   Meeting up with friends shouldn’t be stressful, but when public transport isn’t reliable or venues aren’t accessible, it can be. Many people with disabilities face loneliness simply because the world isn’t set up to include them.
   
4. Finding & keeping a job
   People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed. Many employers worry about extra costs or assume disabled people won’t manage the work. In reality, small changes can make workplaces inclusive without much effort.
   
5. Independence & choice
   A disability doesn’t mean someone can’t make their own decisions, but outdated systems and attitudes can make it harder to live independently. Things like accessible housing, personal assistants, and financial support can give people the freedom to live life on their own terms.
   
6. Everyday tasks
   From using public transport to online banking, so many everyday systems aren’t designed with disabilities in mind. Even things like booking appointments or grocery shopping can be frustrating when accessibility is an afterthought. 

Time for a Change! 

Want to make the world more inclusive? Here’s how: 

• Educate yourself: Read books, listen to podcasts, and watch TV shows that highlight disability experiences.  

• Speak up: Challenge stereotypes when you hear them.  

• Make spaces accessible: Advocate for changes at work, in social spaces, or online.  

• Support organisations: Groups like Ategi, Scope, Leonard Cheshire, and Disability Rights UK work to create a more inclusive society. 

Great places to start: 

📚 Disability Visibility by Alice Wong – A collection of powerful first-person stories. 

🎙 Disability Matters with Joyce Bender – A podcast on rights, work, and inclusion. 

📺 The A Word – A drama about autism and family life. 

📺 Ralph & Katie – A series about newlyweds with Down’s syndrome.

Change starts with awareness. Let’s break these barriers together!