{"id":1998,"date":"2020-01-15T15:56:55","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T15:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disabilityawareness.training\/?p=1998"},"modified":"2020-01-15T15:56:55","modified_gmt":"2020-01-15T15:56:55","slug":"what-is-a-hidden-disability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.krackeddigital.co.uk\/?p=1998","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Hidden Disability?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As the name suggests a hidden disability\u00a0isn’t obvious or visible. And without a guide dog, a walking stick or a wheelchair people can go about their day without anyone being aware of their impairment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listed below are examples of hidden disabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note that some may not actually be classed as a disability if the severity and duration of symptoms does not meet the definition of the Equality Act 2010. Under the Equality Act 2010 an individual is disabled if they have a\nphysical or mental impairment that has a \u2018substantial\u2019 and \u2018long term\u2019 negative\neffect on their ability to do normal day to day activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deafness or hearing\nimpairments<\/li>
Chron\u2019s disease <\/li>
Epilepsy <\/li>
A visual impairment <\/li>
Diabetes<\/li>
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome<\/li>
Traumatic brain injury<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why might employees be nervous telling HR about their impairment\nor disability?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
An employee could still be adapting to the impact their disability is having on their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. \u00a0They may not be ready to talk about it with anyone, let alone their boss. Or they\u2019re worried that people will make a fuss and treat them differently. And that makes them feel apprehensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For many disabled people a fear of discrimination in the workplace is the\nmain barrier to asking for support. This relates both to the corporate culture\nwithin an organisation and a misunderstanding of the law. Employers need to\nwelcome diversity and create a culture where our differences are accepted and\nvalued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can HR\/ employers support staff w<\/strong>ith a hidden disability?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Start by asking your employee what they need. We\nknow that sounds obvious, but it\u2019s often overlooked. It could be a simple request like having a\ndesk that\u2019s closer to the toilet. Or making phone calls from a quiet room\ninstead of a noisy, open plan office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computer software designed specifically to support\ndisabled staff is easily purchased online. Often, using Skype is a preferred\ncommunication tool for those with hearing impairments and lipreaders. Amplified\ntelephones or a standing desk are other practical adjustments that are readily\navailable. The Access to Work<\/a> scheme provides more detail about funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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