By Prabhvir Gill – Student Intern

March is Disability Awareness Month, a time to honor and celebrate the voices, accomplishments, and resilience of people with disabilities. More than just raising awareness, the goal is to promote inclusivity, remove obstacles, and guarantee that everyone, regardless of ability, has an equal chance to succeed. We spend the month listening, learning, and advocating for improved understanding, support, and accessibility. It’s an opportunity to draw attention to the advancements gained as well as the tasks still required to build a society that is inclusive and in which everyone is treated with respect and worth. To foster a deeper understanding, it is important to define what “disability” means and recognize that not all disabilities are visible. Many individuals live with invisible disabilities, such as chronic pain, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders, which may not be immediately apparent but still significantly impact their daily lives.

Common types of disabilities

Pain-Related Disabilities

Pain-related disabilities are among the most common challenges individuals face daily, often causing chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing routine tasks.

Arthritis 

• Causes pain and stiffness in the joints that makes it extremely difficult for an individual to move around to conduct their daily activities
• Most common in the elderly population
• There are over 100 different types of arthritis
• Some individuals require mobility aids like canes or walkers to reduce strain on their joints 

Chronic back/neck pain

Chronic back/neck pain is a condition that may affect an individual in the long term. It could affect their mobility, overall well being, and posture and can be caused by many different things. The most common causes include injury, nerve damage, and poor posture. Different forms of back/neck pain include:

• Herniated discs – When the soft tissue between the spine’s vertebrae bulges out, pressing on nerves
• Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord
• Sciatica – Pain radiating from the lower back down the legs due to nerve compression
• Whiplash injuries – Often caused by car accidents, leading to long-term neck pain and stiffness
• Poor posture – Sitting or standing improperly for long periods can lead to chronic pain.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fibromyalgia is characterized by persistent pain, discomfort, and exhaustion. In contrast to arthritis, it alters the way the brain interprets pain signals but does not result in joint inflammation or damage.

• Widespread pain, aches, and soreness throughout the body, often described as burning or stabbing
• Extreme fatigue – always being tired, even after 8 hours of sleep
• Cognitive issues like not being able to remember little things/memory problems
• Sensitivity to stimuli like increased sensitivity to light, noise, temperature, and touch

Mental Health Related Disabilities

Mental health-related disabilities are often invisible, making them harder to recognize. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD affect daily life, yet stigma prevents many from seeking help. In Canada, one in three people experience mental illness, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.

Depression 

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by distinct feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that the individuals once enjoyed. Further symptoms include:

• Emotional symptoms – persistent sadness, feeling of worthless and overall sadness which makes the overall mood of the person down
• Physical symptoms – Fatigue/constant tiredness, change in appetite (not feeling hungry enough to eat anything), and sleep disturbances (not being able to sleep, constantly waking up, sleeping too much)
• Cognitive symptoms – Not being able to concentrate, feeling unable to make decisions
• Behavioural symptoms  – Withdrawing from social activities, creating distance from friends and family, and losing motivation to do basic daily activities 

Anxiety disorder 

Excessive worry, fear, or uneasiness that interferes with day-to-day functioning is a symptom of anxiety disorders. Although anxiety is a natural stress reaction, it can become impairing if it continues over an extended period of time and becomes overwhelming. Common forms of anxiety include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Constant and excessive fear/worry about multiple aspects of daily lives
• Social Anxiety Disorder – The fear of social interaction/being in public with a large amount of people, leading to consistently avoiding social situations
• Panic Disorder – Sudden panic attacks with a large amount of fear, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ODC) – Intrusive, repetitive thoughts create intense anxiety, leading to compulsive behaviors performed to prevent a feared outcome, even if the fear is irrational. Individuals may feel an overwhelming need to complete certain actions—such as excessive hand washing, checking, or counting—in a precise way to ease distress, even when they recognize the behavior as excessive

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

PTSD develops after traumatic experiences, causing long lasting emotional and physical responses that can affect daily life. Triggers may bring back distressing memories, but the impact extends far beyond just reliving the event, it influences the mood, behaviour and overall well-being of the individual . The causes of PTSD are varied, but some common ones include:

• Military combat – Most commonly caused when veterans have seen first hand life threatening situations due to war-related trauma
• Sexual abuse – PTSD can develop in survivors of abuse, rape, or molestation
• Natural disasters – Earthquakes, hurricanes, or any natural disaster event can trigger trauma
• Serious accidents – Car crashes or injuries, no matter how severe, could trigger trauma 
• Sudden loss of loved ones – If a loved one is lost suddenly and unexpectedly in an accident or especially under violent circumstances, this can led to trauma
• Violent crimes – Witnessing or being apart of a violent crime (ex: shootings, robbery or physical assault)

Mobility Disabilities

Recognizing the experiences of people with mobility disabilities and promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility are the goals of mobility awareness.

Mobility disorders can impair balance, coordination, and/or mobility, making it challenging for people to stand, walk, and/or carry out daily tasks without assistance. These impairments may affect an individual’s level of independence and require the use of assistive technology, including prostheses, wheelchairs, walkers, and/or crutches. Muscle weakness, tremors, and/or restricted range of motion can also occur in certain individuals, which can further impair their freedom of movement. 

Depending on the underlying cause, mobility limitations can range from minor to severe and be either temporary or permanent. Injuries such as fractured bones, surgeries, or illnesses like stroke recovery can cause temporary mobility limitations, though with time and therapy or rehabilitation, mobility may return. Long-term mobility assistance and accessibility accommodations may be necessary for those with permanent disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injuries. The degree of support required depends on the severity of the condition; some people need little help, while others need full-time mobility support.

Audio-visual Disabilities

Vision impairments can be genetic or occur later in life as a result of trauma, disease, or age-related factors. They range from partial vision loss to total blindness. Some common vision impairments are: 

• Cataracts – This is when the eyes begin to cloud which lead to blurry vision
• Glaucoma – Additional pressure in the eye that typically causes damage to the optic nerve which can result in vision loss
• Macular Degeneration – This impairment affects central vision, making basic tasks such as reading difficult
• Diabetic Retinopathy – A type of diabetes that impact blood vessels in a negative way in the retina which could potentially lead to blindness

Hearing disabilities can range from slight hearing loss to complete deafness in one or both ears, and they impact a person’s capacity to detect sound. Some common hearing disabilities are:

• Conductive Hearing Loss – This is caused by damaged or blockages in the middle or outer ear, this type of hearing loss is treatable most of the time
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This hearing loss is caused by damaged to the inner ear or auditory nerve 
• Mixed Hearing Loss – This hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss

Both audio and visual disabilities can result from birth deficits, this is when individuals are born with partial or complete vision loss due to genetic conditions. A similar situation applies to hearing disabilities, they could also result from birth.

What are some common barriers people with disabilities face in daily life?

Many challenges that people with disabilities must overcome on a daily basis can have a big impact on their level of independence, inclusion, and general quality of life. Even though society has made advances in identifying and addressing disabilities, there are still several obstacles that keep people from fully participating in a variety of facets of life, such as employment, education, social contacts, and transportation. In addition to physical obstacles, these barriers include systemic, financial, communication, and attitude issues that hinder the success of people with disabilities. Lack of understanding and accessibility frequently results in exclusion, which restricts opportunities and worsens social injustices. In order to build a more fair and inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can fully engage in their communities without needless hurdles, it is imperative that these barriers be addressed. Some of the common barriers that these individuals face in their daily life as as follows:

Communication Barriers

• Insufficient captioning or sign language interpreters for the hard of hearing or deaf
• Braille or large print options are not often available for printed products which would be beneficial for blind or low vision individuals
• Many websites are not compatible with screen readers, most websites lack compatibility with the tools that assist visually impaired users 

Physical Barriers

• Transportation (expanded on below), sidewalks, and buildings that are inaccessible (e.g., lack of ramps, elevators, or automatic doors)
• Public areas that are poorly built, poorly lit, and do not provide wheelchairs or other mobility aids
• There aren’t many accessible parking spaces in workplace parking lots

Healthcare Barriers

• Examination tables and medical offices are inaccessible, they were not built with the thought that individuals with disabilities will also be using them
• Lack of medical personnel with the necessary training to comprehend the requirements of people with disabilities
• Increased medical expenses and trouble obtaining assistive technology or other services that are required

Employment Barriers

• Restricted employment options as a result of prejudice or a lack of accommodations at work
• Workplaces that are inaccessible, making it challenging for workers with disabilities to move around or complete duties
• Not enough career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities and with lower wages not being sustainable to cover their needs

Transportation Barriers

• Methods of public transportation that do not have the necessary accommodations or are not wheelchair accessible
• The lack of proper transportation options such as taxis or public transportation
• Long distance travel is challenging because there aren’t many accessible options

In order to build a society that is genuinely accessible and inclusive for all, these barriers must be removed wherever possible. Even though many laws, policies, and public awareness have advanced, much more needs to be done. In order to guarantee that people with disabilities have equal chances and rights as able-bodied individuals, communities, corporations, and individuals must work together to address these issues. This involves implementing stricter accessibility laws, raising awareness of disabilities, and encouraging an inclusive outlook in all facets of society. By putting accessibility, equity, and inclusion first, we can build a society in which individuals with disabilities are empowered by the opportunities they have rather than defined by their limitations. The elimination of physical barriers alone won’t be enough to determine true achievement.

How can you make a difference?

Raising awareness is the first step in making a difference for people with disabilities, but advocacy, action, and a dedication to inclusivity are also necessary. March being Disability Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the obstacles that individuals with disabilities still confront while also showcasing their accomplishments and resiliency. Everyone may help create a more inclusive society by advocating for equal opportunities, combating discrimination, and encouraging accessibility, regardless of their background. You can make a difference in small ways, it does not need to be a grand gesture. Some ways to make a difference are as follows:

1. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding different types of disabilities—such as pain-related, mobility, mental health, vision, and hearing disabilities—helps break down misconceptions. Many disabilities are invisible, making awareness even more critical. By educating yourself about the challenges people with disabilities face, you can better advocate for their rights and support policies that promote accessibility and inclusion.

2. Advocate for Equal Employment Opportunities

Employment discrimination remains a significant issue, with many workplaces failing to accommodate employees with disabilities. Supporting inclusive hiring practices, advocating for workplace accommodations, and encouraging businesses to provide accessible job opportunities can make a tremendous difference. If you are an employer or decision-maker, consider how you can foster an inclusive work environment through:

• Flexible work schedules for employees with chronic pain or mental health conditions
• Workplace modifications such as ergonomic furniture or accessible office layouts
• Equal pay and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities

3. Support Accessibility in Public Spaces

Physical barriers remain one of the biggest obstacles for people with disabilities. Advocating for ramps, elevators, accessible transportation, and well-designed public spaces ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate their communities freely. If you see a space that lacks accessibility, speak up—contact business owners or local representatives to push for improvements.

4. Promote Inclusive Communication

Many individuals with disabilities face communication barriers, such as a lack of sign language interpreters, inaccessible websites, and materials that are not available in braille or large print. You can help by ensuring that the spaces and platforms you engage with—whether at work, in social settings, or online—prioritize inclusive communication. For example:

• Caption videos to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Encourage businesses and organizations to make websites screen-reader friendly
• Support the use of assistive technology in schools and workplaces

5. Improve Healthcare Accessibility

Healthcare facilities often lack accommodations for individuals with disabilities, whether it’s inaccessible medical offices or a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. Supporting healthcare policies that prioritize accessibility, pushing for disability-inclusive medical training, and raising awareness about the financial barriers people with disabilities face can help improve healthcare outcomes.

6. Volunteer and Donate to Disability Organizations

Many organizations work to improve accessibility, provide resources, and support individuals with disabilities. Donating to or volunteering with disability advocacy groups can have a direct impact. Some organizations focus on accessibility improvements, while others provide essential services such as mental health support, mobility aid assistance, or employment training.

7. Support Accessible Transportation

Many individuals with disabilities struggle with transportation, whether due to a lack of wheelchair-accessible public transit, limited transportation options, or financial barriers. You can advocate for better policies that fund accessible transportation, support ride-sharing services that offer inclusive options, and push for better city planning that considers all individuals.

8. Challenge Discrimination and Stigma

Attitudinal barriers, including misconceptions and biases, often lead to social exclusion and discrimination. Challenge ableism when you encounter it—whether it’s workplace discrimination, offensive language, or assumptions about what people with disabilities can or cannot do. Promoting respectful and inclusive attitudes helps create an environment where all individuals are valued.

Closing remarks

Awareness is the first step toward a more inclusive world, but action is what makes it thrive. This Disability Awareness Month, let’s make a commitment to building a society in which everyone has the fundamental right to accessibility, equity, and dignity rather than treating them as privileges. Recognizing the difficulties faced by people with disabilities is not enough; we also need to take active measures to eliminate these obstacles and guarantee that everyone has the chance to succeed. 

Each initiative helps create a more inclusive future, whether it be by raising awareness of the issue, pushing for changes in legislation, or improving accessibility in our communities. When we listen, learn, and unite in our support of equal chances for all, real progress is made. Even simple acts of awareness and kindness can have a significant influence; big gestures are not necessary for change.

Beyond March, let’s continue to have these discussions and strive toward a society in which disability inclusion is the rule rather than the exception. We all gain from a society that recognizes each person for their unique abilities and contributions. We can build a future that enables everyone, regardless of ability, to live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity by embracing accessibility, promoting inclusivity, and eliminating outdated beliefs. If you need support for any reason, check out our resources at https://www.dcontario.org/general-databases-and-supports/.

References

Exploring Equity: Dis/ability. (2021, February 4). Retrieved April 3, 2025, from Harvard Graduate School of Education website: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/21/02/exploring-equity-disability

Granjon, M., Pillaud, N., Papa-Roach, M., Aubé, B., & Rohmer, O. (2025). Attitudes towards invisible disabilities: Evidence from behavioral tendencies. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 8, 100164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2024.100164

The Lancet Public Health. (2021). Disability—a neglected issue in public health. The Lancet Public Health, 6(6), e346.https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00109-2