International Day of Persons with Disabilities

• New lesson editor
• PSHE
• LessonUp
• +1
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Introduction

This lesson focusses on the International Day For Persons With Disabilities. Made with support at LessonUp from people with disability - this session gives your students some context for what a disability is, what it can mean for people that have them, and how some people with disabilities see themselves and how they would like to be treated. It is very important to note that the videos and text in this lesson does not speak for all peoples with disabilities, so you should go through the lesson and adapt any areas that you think will not resonate with your own class before teaching it.

Instructions

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What is a disability?

What is a disability?

“You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.” - UK Gov

Let's make it clearer...

What do those terms mean?

Substantial

‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, for example it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed

Long-term

‘long-term’ means 12 months or more, for example a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection

What types of disability are there?

A physical disability is a limitation in physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities. This can result from birth, illness, injury, or other conditions, making daily tasks more challenging or time-consuming. The definition focuses on the impact on daily function rather than just the physical condition itself.

Mental impairment that has a substantial, long-term adverse effect on your ability to do "normal day-to-day activities". "Long-term" means it has lasted or is likely to last for at least 12 months, and "substantial" means more than just a minor impact. Treatment, aids, or spectacles are generally disregarded when assessing the effect of the impairment.

Physical

Mental

I understand the difference between physical and mental disabilities.

What's it like to be disabled?

Being disabled is a unique and varied experience, but many people face physical barriers, social stigma, and emotional distress, including isolation, frustration, and anxiety.

It can also develop incredible resilience, determination, and unique perspectives.

Thoughts...

The key is that disability is not a singular experience; it affects each person differently, and the challenges can be physical, social and emotional.

Why do you think some people automatically treat people with disabilities differently than anyone else?

Important steps to remember...

3 tips for 'able' people.

What You See

Not everyone that is considered ‘disabled’ has a physical disability. You may have seen signs that say ‘not every disability is visible’ - and this is very true!

1.

How's and Why's

Not everyone with a disability was necessarily ‘born with it’. Some people become disabled later in life for many different reasons including accidents, surgery or being diagnosed late!

2.

Emotional Response

It is impossible to categorise so many people with one word. Some people are very open and positive about their disability, where some people aren’t. Bare in mind that not everyone will want to be treated differently, or have their disability highlighted, so let them lead the way if you ever discuss it with someone.

3.

Social stigmas for disabled people...

Society has changed for the better in modern times. There was a period where people with disabilities were treated unfairly purely because of their disability - without any consideration of their personal strengths or limitations. Let's look at a few summaries, and reflect if you have ever been guilty of thinking the same way...

Which group had the highest rate of reported disability?

1

"Working Age"

2

Elderly People

3

Children (under 18)

Language warning for this video!

Suitable for all 

These videos are both optional - feel free to find a video that will resonate with your pupils and insert it by pressing '+ Add' then selecting 'Video'.