Over the next week, we will be introducing you to all the resources available to those with Disabilities or Hidden Disabilities.

A hidden disability is a very difficult condition due to society’s perception as to what a disability should look like.

Here we will look at the statistics, the different kinds of disabilities and each day we will introduce the different resources that are available to you.

Statistics

According to the Irish census 2016, there were 643,131 people with disabilities. That amounts to 13.5%, or 1 in 7 of the population in Ireland who are disabled. According to statistic by 2026 there will be an increase of 20% of people with disabilities.

Disabilities and Hidden Disabilities

The term Hidden Disability covers an array of health conditions such as, but not limited to:

Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Chronic Illnesses, Intellectual Disabilities,

Mental Health Conditions, Visual Impairment, Hard of Hearing, Deaf, Blind.

So what resources are out there?

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

The idea originated in Gatwick Airport to allow people with hidden disabilities to be easily recognised. The Sunflower Lanyard Ireland can be used in shops, transport and airports in Ireland and across Europe. This scheme is now available in Ireland.

For those of you with mobility issues, check out our range of awarding winning mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Freedom Scooters