CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Each person with a disability is unique and may identify with one or more disability categories. A person who experiences a visual disability at age 40 may not have the same life experience and perspective as a person who was born without vision. It is important to hear and validate each person’s journey, as the individual relates to their disability in a unique way. People with learning disabilities or mental health and emotional conditions may feel differently about their disability status than those living with a physical disability. Some persons may feel more connected to or prioritize their identity related to gender, ethnicity, or age—over their identity of having a disability.

For a person with a disability, his or her identity impacts relationships as a family member, friend, colleague, member of an organization, customer, or employee. The way a person experiences the world and is treated by others in their home, school, and community may lead to conflicting internal and external identities. For example—internally, a person may know they have a disability and “own” it—while externally, the person may choose not to disclose or outwardly show their disability with co-workers, family, and others.

Organizations that aim to learn and understand the needs of persons with disabilities—and are inclusive in messaging, images, and actions and authentic in their approach to diabetes prevention—may be more effective in engaging persons with disabilities and their networks. This can be most challenging when a person chooses not to identify with or reveal their disability, and a tactful approach by the organization may be helpful.