National Inclusion Week is marked across the UK at the end of September and celebrates inclusion in all its forms. It's about recognising and valuing the differences we each bring to the world.
In Wigan Borough, we’re taking the opportunity to focus on disability.
Local people with disabilities have been sharing their stories and having their say on what it’s like to live with a disability, the many different ways they contribute to society, common stereotypes and other bugbears, and the small things we could all do to be a bit more inclusive.
Did you know...
There are more than 14.1 million disabled people in the UK.
- On average life costs you an extra £581 more a month if you are disabled
- 1 in 3 disabled people feel there’s still a lot of disability prejudice.
- Some disabilities might be visible, but others could be less obvious, such as having a hearing impairment, a brain injury, epilepsy, or a learning difference.
- 8% of children are disabled, 19% of working age adults are disabled and 46% of pension age adults are disabled.
Any one of us could become disabled at any time.
Visit national charity Scope’s website for more facts and figures about disability in the UK (external link)