Living with a disability is difficult, and you know because you do it every day. There are people who don’t understand, employers who don’t understand, and there are times that even you, your family, and your friends do not understand. But that doesn’t mean that you have to live your life without the health, help, and happiness that you deserve. When you’re living in the United Kingdom you have rights, and you also have access to special benefits, help finding a carer, and laws that help make living with a disability easier for you so you can enjoy your life and carry on as if it nothing was different.

One of the most important things you should know if you are living with a disability in the United Kingdom is that you have rights under the Equality Act 2010. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a physical disability or a mental disability that has, or will have, a long term impact on your life, and your ability to live “normally” according to traditional definitions, or your disability with substantially impact your life in a negative way, this law will help to protect you, help you gain access to services, and even help you find new ways to live your life more fully and more productively. This law can help to protect you from being discriminated against when applying for jobs, by your employer, and by your colleagues. Mental health conditions have special provisions under the Equality Act 2010 and it is important that you understand that you have rights, no matter what anyone tells you.

One of the most challenging aspects of living with a disability can, and often, is related to your job. Sometimes the people at work don’t understand how to work with you, and sometimes you may have a difficulty doing your job because you can’t work at the same pace or do all of the same tasks in the same way as other employees. But there are services and funding available for people just like you to help you get tools, training, and resources to more effectively do your job. There are also services to help your employer make accommodations for you so that you are able to do your job more efficiently. One of the best ways that you can increase your skills is to reach out and use these services. You’ll be able to find the best employers and get assistance finding and keeping a job.

Disability assistance is not only available for those who have disabilities, however. Those who care for individuals with disabilities, also referred to as carers, have access to funding to help them take care of someone with a disability. Care centres also have access to resources, and families and disabled individuals have someone they can turn to in the government for help when the services provided by a carer are not up to snuff. Case examiners, resources for parents of disabled children, job placement services, and more are all right at your fingertips.

Living with a disability is not always easy, but it doesn’t have to make living your life unbearable or impossible. Use the services available to you and you’ll be able to have the life you deserve and the life you’ve worked so hard to create, with less awkward moments, less opportunities for failure and less instances of hearing that you simply cannot do something as the result of your having, and living with a disability. Make this life yours and make your disability part of your ability to live life and make the most of it every day.