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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Do you know your rights?
People have days for everything anymore. However, I am in a wheelchair and have been for over twenty years, so the one that is near and dear to my heart is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
I hope that this article will not only raise awareness of those who live with disabilities but will help them to realize they are not alone.
What is a Disability and an Invisible Disability?
According to the ADA National Network, a person with a disability “has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability.”
The physical or mental impairment can be permanent or temporary and limit the person’s ability to move freely within their environment. For instance, if a person is being treated for cancer and receiving chemo and is unable to move freely within their environment or is in emotional turmoil, they are not considered disabled.
While many disabilities are visible, some disabilities are hidden from the view of others, such as a heart condition. One must be…
