‘There needs to be acceptance when a disability is not visible’
By Mary Dennehy
LAST week was Invisible Disability Week, with the campaign’s message of acceptance and understanding being promoted locally by support groups and parents – who are getting the conversation started.
Living in Tallaght, Sharon Condren Melia has three children on the autism spectrum.
“According to new figures, one in 65 Irish kids are on the autism spectrum so it is very important that we raise awareness that not all disabilities are visible,” Sharon said.
“There is more acceptance when people can see a disability.
“There needs to be an acceptance when a disability is not visible as well, and an understanding that there could always be a story behind someone’s behaviour.”
She added: “My daughter has autism and an intellectual disability.
“She is non-verbal and as soon as she starts to move people know that there is something going on, she does a lot of rocking and hand slapping.
“Whereas with my two boys, it is not as visible.
“If they have a meltdown in the same way my daughter would, people just look at you as if you need to calm your child.
“I want my two boys to have the same level of acceptance as a child with a disability that is visible.”
Enough is Enough, Every Voice Counts
Sharon is part of a national movement that started in Tallaght called Enough is Enough, Every Voice Counts.
Initially, the movement represented children on the autism spectrum and their families – highlighting the need for services.
However, it has now grown to include children and adults with all disabilities – with Enough is Enough having more than 2,700 members nationwide.
Sharon is also the Vice Chair of the Tallaght Parents Autism Support Group, which has 560 members.
“We are raising awareness of Invisible Disability Week on the Enough is Enough Facebook page,” Sharon said.
“There needs to be an acceptance around disabilities that they are not all visible.
“We need to encourage people not to make a quick judgement on a situation they don’t understand… this can help towards building a more inclusive society.”
Enough is Enough believes that to change the conversation around disability, promoting that not all disabilities are visible needs to be a starting point.
Visit the Enough is Enough – Every Voice Counts Facebook page.
