Speak Up: Mental Illness As A Disability

4317 Maray Drive,Rockford IL 61107

04 October, 2022

Description

When you hear the term “disability,” what do you think of? We bet you aren’t picturing something that may be invisible on the exterior. You probably aren’t thinking that a mental health condition, depression, is the leading cause of disability in the world. Psychiatric disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a "mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual”. Inclusion is mandated by law, but meaningful education about disabilities goes much beyond legal compliance. Creating an environment where all people feel included and valued is a necessary part of ensuring that people receive the respect they deserve. In a study done by Rethink Mental Illness, eight in ten people reported that the fear of being discriminated against stopped them from doing things they wanted to do, including seeking help for a mental health concern. There’s a good chance you will never have all the answers about someone’s disability. Learning about different types of disabilities can help you educate yourself and others on unfamiliar conditions. Our goal for you tonight is to leave our panel discussion saying “I understand and accept you.” When we say this phrase freely, we can save lives.