- Conference
- 2010 National Disabled Members' Conference
- Date
- 6 July 2010
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes that the term ‘non apparent disability’ is a catch-all phrase that simply means that a person’s impairment or condition is not obviously apparent or visible. Around 70% of people who have a disability in this country have a hidden disability.
Delegates will have work colleagues who are disabled but who are not immediately recognised as such. Many employers and individuals remain fearful or ignorant of disability and, therefore, many people with non apparent disabilities decide not to disclose their disability at work for fear of losing their job, setting back their career or other discrimination. Many people with non apparent disabilities are also concerned that they will not be believed because they ‘don’t look like they are disabled.
Non apparent disabilities can include some people with; sight impairments, asthma, autistic spectrum conditions, mental health difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell condition, chronic fatigue syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hearing impairments, cancer, HIV and AIDS, and heart, liver or kidney problems. The conditions may affect people in a myriad of ways.
In the past the National Disabled Members’ Committee UNISON has promoted a ’10 Good Reasons to Declare Your Disability to UNISON’ campaign which was well received by members.
Conference mandates the NDMC to re-launch this campaign with an additional focus on educating members on awareness of non apparent disability.