I was told by someone this week that I don’t have a disability because I can walk. I explained to them that I do have a hidden disability as my RA has mainly affected my upper limbs hands waist elbows and shoulder. Am I right or not
Do I have a disability or not: I was told by someone... - NRAS
Do I have a disability or not
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bunnycaramel
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There are many issues that can be classed as a disability. Walking is just one. As I can’t lift a cup of tea to my lips (for example) I consider loss of normal use of my hands/wrists/elbows a disability. You will find there are many views on this on this forum! The PIP assessors also have a view.
The term disability is not dependent on what condition you have, but how it affects you. If it has a significant impact on your ability to go day to day tasks, then you would be classed as having a disability.
My Occupational Health Dr, who was also a lawyer as well, said that although I had severe restrictions due to my stiffness, that she could only say I was likely to fall under the equality act, and that it was at a tribunal, the Judge would decide if i was classed as disabled. So having RA itself does not automatically mean you’re disabled.
I think everyone ….with or without RA probably has some sort of disability……not being able to walk being one….being deaf or blind two others.
It has never struck me to consider myself disabled…..even for the brief period I used a wheelchair in my early RA days I just thought of it as a passing phase of the disease. …living alone - any small difficulty like not being able to climb up to change a light bulb is disabling….but not a disability in the sense normally accepted.
If you mean a disablement needed to claim some sort of benefit like a Blue Badge ….that will usually depend upon the answers you give on the application form….& what your doctor says if he/she is approached to confirm those answers.
I prefer not to dwell on having a label….& concentrate on what I can do, not what I can’t,
Who cares what they think? If you have a condition or conditions which impair your ability to cope with everyday living, you could consider yourself disabled. I prefer to ignore the restrictions, find ways to work round them and those who denigrate my issues can go tittle.
Truth is it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Not all disability are visable anyway. I don’t regard myself as disabled but less able. I’d probably be more upset if someone said I was disabled because I try to lead a normal life. It’s not always possible but no one should be judged or feel disadvantaged because of another’s prejudice. Don’t let them get to you.
Thought you & all members would like to know Ajay575 can still access this site.I have just had a PM from him telling me the qualification age for PIP has changed.
So…..although he is no longer on this site, he can obviously still message NRAS from the other sites he is still on.
I have muted him from my PM box, but when I did that I got a message presumably from HU, telling me I had muted him but I can unmute him by visiting his profile.
Now how daft is all that?
Like others have said it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks but it’s worth going onto the NRAS website and looking at their ‘Guide to the Equality Act 2010 - What you need to know’, if you ever come up against an employer who argues about what amendments they might need to make to accommodate you in your job.
My chronic health condition(s) limit my ability to physically function as I did prior to becoming chronically unwell. My inability to undertake physical tasks as 'normal' limits my life. Therefore I see myself as disabled.I am aware that some people feel uncomfortable with the label of being disabled and that's absolutely fine. For me it seems inappropriate not to be disabled if you can't do what you used to be able to do and you have a limited life.
Being disabled doesn't mean I sit and wallow in self pity, rather I accept that I am disabled and do the best I can within my limitations.
But I don’t think people should be able to claim something like PIP at 59, but have the same problems at 61 & be denied it. Qualifications for any sort of State Benefit need looking at and be made more professionally.
With the State Retirement Age now being .?67…… if your condition does stop you working…… you should have the same entitlement as you had at 57.. These ages were assumably decided upon when 60 was regarded as old?
Let’s face it, the people who make these decisions are probably all in their 30s/40s, and and don’t think things through sensibly!
That is a really lovely attitude, we’re all different. Xxx
‘Differently abled’ ?
Disabled works better for me, I struggle to do most things , taking a shower and getting dressed is a major undertaking, so for me that isn't differently abled.
It’s a difficult question isn’t it.
I dont think of myself as disabled and wouldn’t want anyone to think of me as being disabled but that’s just me. I’m 75 and as I’ve aged I suppose I’ve got a lot more creaky and things like heavy duty gardening have become more difficult.
I’ve also got osteoporosis which has definitely made me feel more feeble but even then I’ve never looked on myself as being disabled. In fact I was livid when the fracture liaison nurse asked if I wore glasses - I do - he could see I was wearing them when he asked!
Anyway at that point he put me down as ‘visually impaired’. If he had actually taken the time to ask he would have found out that although I wear multifocal lenses it’s only the reading part I need, I’ve always liked wearing glasses, my husband was an optometrist so I got them for nothing - not only that my vision is such that I meet the driving standard without my glasses. So visually impaired my foot!
I think it must be a different matter for younger people who are trying to hold down a job and keep a home but I definitely don’t see myself as, and would not want to be labelled as ‘disabled’. I think it’s a very personal thing though.
Two years ago year I got called into GPs and he said “ you’re remarkably active for someone wheelchair bound”. I was staggered but knew why, I’d broken my leg a few months before and been in clinic when called into consulting room the only chair was a wheelchair. The doctor came in and we had a chat, I got up and walked away. No problem but in his letter he said I’d been in a wheelchair. Technically true but not the truth. I never bothered to get the letter changed so as my GP said “ well it is true “ and laughed as it really couldn’t be made up. I suppose at least I actually saw a GP even though there was nothing wrong.
🤣 You couldn’t make it up could you.
Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
There is a lot to read on it but helps understand it more. I have a disability for RA and all the add ons I have got with it and now not able to work etc. So yes it fits the equality act but also how the condition affects you has to be looked at too.
Yes, if your health condition affects your ability to work or seriously interferes with your life which yours does Deeb 1764 then yes you fit that bill but I still wouldn’t want to be classed as being disabled - it’s bad enough being old 😉
I hated having to use the word but I knew my life HD changed drastically so it’s wht works for you or should I say how the disease takes hold and yes getting older is not great some days either 🤣
my RA affects my upper limbs which at times I have difficulty carrying things as it can be painful.
My main problem is I also have bronchiectasis too. I have had 6 chest infections since mid May just recuperating with the last one and this can cause shortness of breath so limiting me walking home as I have hills to walk up. It's OK in the warmer weather I can take my time getting home but when it's cold like now it's more difficult. This person doesn't see me struggling home just sees me walking in town where its straight. When on antibiotics I'm told to stop my RA Meds so my RA then flares slightly as I need 2 weeks of antibiotics each time.
I’ve got Cyclindrical Bronchectasis too but it just shows how it’s so hard to define disabled as apart from the odd chest infection it makes no difference to my life. It was only found when I had tests for MRSA acquired and hard to treat as an awful lung infection. I was born with it just never knew. I did pulmanory rehab course will really helped after they got the infection sorted.
I have never had pulmonary rehab but I have an appointment on Tuesday with respiratory so will ask about this
I highly recommend it, it really helped me and I used not to be able to walk and talk sometimes without getting breathless. After the course which included physical exercises I could and still can do both. Here it’s offered through Respiratory Consultant. I hope you can access one.
Of corse you do . And you need to apply for SS disability if you have not already.
What is Ss disability
They’re not in the UK.
i think a lot of people (including myself in the past) have a lot of internalised ableism. Especially if you are hyper independent. I am disabled because all my conditions especially RA has a major impact on my day to day living. And yes sure, I'm not wallowing, I'm getting on with the cards that I’ve been dealt.
For years I refused to get a blue badge and struggled everyday but thought “I’m not that bad, others are worse” . In the summer I finally relented and my goodness , I’m not as fatigued and consequently, overall I have less flare ups (currently in one now mind) .
I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Stills Disease aged 17 and spent a year using a wheel chair, walking aid and wrist splints. During this time I couldn’t lift a glass to take my own meds.
This illness changed the course of my life as I became ill in the middle of my A levels and then couldn’t go away to university. I couldn’t join the RAF as planned, I couldn’t learn to drive as planned and was unable to live independently or work in anyway for several years so couldn’t leave home either. A year later I was able to walk unaided again but my direction had been changed completely. Now 61 I’ve had two children, and a successful career within my limitations.
I assess my pain and stiffness levels each morning and decide what I can do. I consider myself restricted and have found a way round most problems. Some days I can bake or do the ironing or maybe swim. Other days I can’t brush my hair or lift a cup of tea. It’s completely unpredictable but planning allows me to manage.
If someone asked me if I was disabled my reply would be . “Yes sometimes I am”.
I was really uplifted to see your post today and here is why.I woke up today feeling very painful in my hands and wrists and felt so bloody useless!Just remembered that yesterday I cleaned my sons house right through,dusting,hoovering and cleaning windows,so should have expected today to feel the effects !As I am nearly 80 with RA I am entitled to a duvet day today.I will have a lovely warm shower,light a fire,cook a roast dinner and watch tv.An extra is my local library now have a free ebooks and audiobooks scheme where you can download hundreds of books on your iPad or phone and listen all day without using hands at all.It is wonderful!Anyone who needs details just post.Thanks for making me feel better today.xx
You can come round to my house and clean anytime 😉 Enjoy your well deserved day of comfort x
I don’t worry about a title of disability. I have had RA for many years. I guess it’s different if you are employed as you have disability rights.I have always been self employed so it’s very different for me. I have RA and other things but I don’t feel I have to explain to other people. My family know and if I need support they are there for me.
I worked as a nuese in the hs and they made my life hell with no support even though it was suggested by OH but moved offices and everything was taken away from me. In the end I retired for a peaceful life and removed the stress. Had no support from higher management didn't know what was going on all I felt was they wanted me gone.
I started back at work a year ago but my health has not been good since don't get sick pay so worked and struggled on.
Have applied for PIP but declined my application. So need to continue work financially. Looking at other ways to finish work.
I hope you are going to appeal the PIP decision.
I'm looking into the process, criteria and outcomes at the moment and it scares the life out of me but, having looked at loads of guidance, I should score enough "points" to be awarded something.
Apparently there's a massive amount of interpretation in the process, so unless you prepare to the hilt and spell everything out (using the right words!), they decide you're not worthy.
There needs to be proper support to get us through the PIP process but, it's only available from people who have learnt the hard way.
Struggling at work everyday is very hard - I don't envy you. I'm only just getting by financially but the thought of working again to regular hours - it would be far too much stress!!
Who said this to you, a friend, family, employer? Ask them why they think you do not have a disability, it's not just about your ability to walk. I wonder why they took such a narrow view.
A disability can vary greatly from one person to the next, just think about Paralympian athletes. Would this person consider someone with a prosthetic leg to not have a disability because they can walk?
I've just read that MS is now classified from day one as automatically meeting the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010, as is HIV infection and cancer. I wonder what this person would say about that?
It was a friend
They were comparing with a relative who had mobility problems. I told them that it's a hidden disability.
I told them that disabilities affects people in different ways. They went in to say layer when discussing something else that I will fir before them. I said do you have a crystal ball. I'm now defriendibg this person. I helped them Alot taking them to appointments as they don't drive. I will not be doing this anymore.
An ex friend! Good for you
I think they've showed themselves up to be ignorant. Well done for de-friending them!
I feel the need to contribute.
In my opinion, it certainly does matter what certain other people think, whether you are disabled or not.
My manager hated giving me any allowances (now referred to as Reasonable Adjustments) because frankly she didn't believe there was anything wrong with me by looking at me!
When I told her I wasn't able to travel long distances, she resisted, and argued that I just need to.
When I tried to explain that I needed an hour at lunch time to walk around, to unstiffen my muscles, she resisted and told me I had to meet deadlines.
When I tried to explain that I needed a far more supportive chair to work at a desk, it took months to sort out.
When I tried to explain to her the concept of pacing, and the consequences of not pacing would be a flare, she ignored me and just piled on the work regardless. So, after working longer hours to get the work finished, I had to take more time off with a flare, which she found unacceptable because my sick days were higher than most.
I'm sure I'm not alone with this kind of issue. In the end, she was making my working life hell, marking me down as under performing (while telling me how good my work was on a daily basis!).
I left as it became too upsetting and the employment tribunal did accept my RA condition as a disability, as classified in law. It's a pity certain people don't accept that I have limitations and need extra help, because I look normal.
So, having gone through that, I'm definitely not one of those people who refuse to be labelled as disabled. I definitely know I am disabled and am not ashamed to tell others I am. Unless we stop trying to be something we're not, and hiding the label as well as the disabilities, other people will not even start to begin to understand how this condition affects us, let alone believe us.
I've accepted that I'll never be the active person that I was, and I do try to live as independently as possible, but I also accept that I can no longer do certain things and expect others to respect that.
So yes, I'm disabled and I let people know I am.
This happened to me before I retired too
Exactly there is no shame and if someone implies that you are not disabled then the shame is on them 😍
My ex employer expected me to look after my manager! And a team of workmen. Oh also called me a cripple as I did stairs very slowly and with a stick. The stress was making me so ill I couldn't function. I was then asked if I was supposed to be working with the meds! It was so toxic, plus working 10hrs a day, and because I was in at 5.30am I got dumped with extra crap that no one wanted to deal with! And still was I up to my job of nearly 8yrs. The boss had even said he didn't like disabled people. A very nasty end because I had given 12 months notice to leave, how dare I!! I see myself as a survivor. Stick to your guns and don't be bullied. My boss refused to make reasonable adjustments. It's clear discrimination. Mention Disability discrimination and speak to HR, and good luck x
My terrible experience was over 5 years ago but on reading your account, it still brings back such horrid memories!
We are supposed to be protected but unless your employer is empathetic and supportive, it's all out war! I'm so cross because so many people who read this site have gone through a similar bad experience, only to leave work totally broken and disillusioned.
The Equality Act is so difficult to enforce when in work and, when you eventually decide enough is enough, it's so difficult to present your case in a tribunal - especially when they expect you to be cross examined day after day! Yes, I have been there too!
The odds are not in our favour and in reality there are few protections. In the end, you are left feeling even more marginalised. It's much easier and healthier to be out of work and broke.
Thank you for your reply 🙏 it's nice to know I haven't been alone in my experience. I feel way less stressed, which in turn does make me feel healthier. The bad days are more evened out now. And you're absolutely right, there is no law enforced although, I would take it further but I won't be called a liar by liars who would probably walk away laughing🤷♀️Thanks again x
Hi there I class myself as being disabled because RA has had a significant impact on my daily living. That's how DWP class it, if you can't do a normal everyday activity as you normally would, or if it takes more time and energy then it normally would, then I class that as being disabled. I also have to remind people as you said yourself that not all disabilities are visible.
A disability constitutes something that affects how you can function with day-to-day tasks. If something impairs this, then you have a disability. I think just ignore what you have been told, they are clearly ignorant of the meaning of disability. That said, it doesn't matter whether you are labeled disabled or not, it's how you deal with it that counts.
I agree with you that RA has impacted my life too
When I complained to the occupational therapist that the group gloves she was recommending were over £20 like everything else I ever needed. She said that my pip was for these things. I said my what? I have had RA for over 25 years and have just carried on regardless, denied I have a disability as I did not want to be labelled. Well the OT said I will support your claim as you are eligible despite still being able to work the cost of ensuring I have the right clothing, shoes (one week fine then as we all know can become the most torturous items you own in the blink of an eye).
So I applied and as reminded by my OT said this is what I am like on a bad day, I was awarded pip but not the mobility element as I can on a good day walk miles(note on a good day but others my feet can be so bad any walking can be painful). So now I can by all the little but generally expensive support items, I have a disabled rail card which allows my husband and I to enjoy going places at a reasonable price. I am classed as I have a long term chronic condition at work (Nhs non medical) as being disabled and I do not jump up and down about it but subtly remind colleagues that not all disabilities are visible and reasonable adjustments balance the work place.
The long and short of this is that it is up to you who you say you are disabled to and it is not about being labled but ensuring you are treated equitably and fairly.
Interesting question. In addition to my Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis and more recently an additional side serving of Connective Tissue Disease with Lupus (wtf?) diagnosis , I've been a migraine sufferer for most of my life. The former, although painful and frustrating has not disabled me . The migraines however have completely ruined my life by wiping me out sometimes for weeks and until the last few years had not been taken seriously by doctors and consultants. I had a brief flirtation with PIP and gave up. It seems that society and the government thinks migraine and cluster headaches are just a bit of a pain in the head but you can't work or socialise if you're in bed either unable to move or throwing up non stop.
Thankfully a consultant did start to take it seriously and finally , nearly 2 years ago I started Ajovy injections and in my early 50s am now in full time work for the first time in decades.
If your RA prevents you from doing certain essential things then it is disabling, whether or not other people or government departments see it like that is of course another matter and yet without acknowledgement and appropriate support and treatment patients will inevitably end up 'disabled '.
One of the stumbling blocks, is that the bad days need to be more than 50% of the time. Then you need evidence to back that up. There is a company called Fightback, who can complete the paperwork for you, for a percentage of your first payment, who seem to get a high success rate. I had a colleague who moved to work for DWP doing the assessments, and she did say that they are told to look more carefully at people claiming every day is a bad day, as many people on forums advise people to do. However DWP see it as fraud, and are more likely to approve those who’ve been honest claiming some better days.
And they were more than 50% of the time but it was difficult to prove. I decided to apply during the worst phase when it was so bad I just couldn't commit to anything let alone a job. I felt totally useless and a bit ashamed. But it was just before getting the injections and they worked almost instantly. I'm very lucky that ajovy has been so successful for me as I know it doesn't work for everyone.
Glad that the injections helped. I suffer severe migraines too, with repeated vomiting. Unfortunately I had a stroke and my sumatriptan nasal spray was stopped. I suffer with severe adrenal insufficiency, and vomiting puts me at risk of a crisis. It means with every migraine I have to administer an intramuscular steroid injection, which thankfully reduces the migraine to a headache.
DWP do make it very difficult, and it’s sad the number of cases that are taken to tribunal, at great cost to the tax payer. 🥲
Not being able to walk properly or at all is generally classed as a disability but it seems to be subject to duration. Not being able to use your hands or shoulders isn't considered disabling, permanent or not. It might be if it is in addition to not being able to walk. This seems to be the criteria when applying for state benefits or treatment on the NHS. My hands were paralysed when RA came on and my shoulder frozen, and this lasted for nine months - fortunately the RA either went into remission or otherwise greatly reduced. It was not considered a disability though I could hardly do anything.
’Normal’ people need to live a day in our shoes! 🤬
It’s down to each person individually as you can see by the wide range of comments. There is such a wide variation from one to another. Each one of us unique. Personally I do think of myself as disabled as I am hardly able to walk now. I was a Staff Nurse in another life 25 years ago but as soon as I was diagnosed the NHS didn’t want to know. I was given ill health retirement very quickly. I then started Biologics & things stabilised but with limitations. I’ve tried all my life since then not to be disabled but had to give in about 10 years ago & apply for a blue badge. I also have developed lots of other conditions along the way Asthma Bronchiectasis & Epilepsy which affects my memory terribly to name a few. Currently being assessed for Lupus & Raynauds.
I would ignore ignorant people. A disability is an ongoing issue that basically prevents you from carrying out your daily tasks/life that a non disabled person can do without thinking about it. You don't need to justify a disability to anyone. I have had stares and muttered comments by older people when I park in disabled spaces with my badge because I look young for my age, and until I eventually get out of my automatic car and use my stick they don't see I have a disability. I also only have the use of one arm and very limited use of other. Unfortunately people go by looking for a badge we should wear around our neck that's says 'I can prove I'm disabled!'. It's your body, your limits, your disability. No one else's. Ignore them, it's discrimination.
Best wishes x
Thank you bunnycaramel for your post. Disability is not defined by whether you can walk or use a wheelchair etc. An illness alone can mean you are disabled, I have unseen illness that impacts on my ability to walk ,cook, wash myself, dress etc and many mental health issues cause an inability to do normal everyday tasks. The wording is if you cannot do things in a conventially accepted way , at a reasonable pace then you cannot do it so are disabled. Of course many do not take into account multi factual causes of disability, some of which might be minor alone but together prevent normal functioning. I personally feel that there is a lot of confusion between the word disability and disabled. Disabled means you cannot do it because of your disability I believe. Disabled means loss of normal function due to an illness or disability like blindness or loss of limb. When assessing such things , pain , breathing, side effects of tablets all have to be considered. Many disabilities are caused by mal function of your body, preventing you from doing things in the way a normal person could. Also disability can be lessoned by using adaptations but that does not cancel out that you are disabled. I cannot get up steps but the fact I do with an aid does not cancel out the disability. The fact I walk very slowly does not cancel out my breathing illness either hope this helps you consider whether or not you are disabled as the disability laws define it not the PIP regulations. Good Luck.
Invisible disablities seem to be a problem for many people to understand. Having a disability simply means that you are unable to do some things which are people can do without pain or difficulty.
To be classified as having a disablity under a legal definition depends on the circumstances, for instance, if you it is being used in terms of employment where employers have to make reasonable adjustments for someone with a disability. There is quite a lot of case law over this. Similarly for welfare benefits there are definitions which for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) come under two categories, care and mobility. So disability is not just about physical mobility it can include mental health. ability about personal or daily care, cognitive ability (e.g. dyslexia for employment or education contexts).
If you need legal hlp then speak to someone like Citizens Advice Bureau. If it is a friend, then try gently to explain that many disabilities are invisible, and that pain, stiffness, inflammation etc can't be seen externally. Perhaps find a simple leaflet explaining RA. It can be upsetting when others don't understand, which is why groups like this can be useful as people do know what it is like to live with long term illness. (I don't have RA - my husband does - but I do have other long term health issues).
It's how you view yourself.I myself do not label myself as disabled despite my limitations.
Makes me view life more positively.
If a person has MS and they can walk but every step is horrendously hard for them they are disabled. So, the person is wrong in their definition. Such a silly thing for them to say. I don't have a problem with the term disabled or see it negatively. It is just reality. I do like the suggestion of saying limitations though because then you won't open this huge door of judgements from others. I totally feel disabled as I grieve my old life of energy and carefree mobility. Don't worry about that person. They don't sound very understanding. Take care.
Legally, when applying for SS disability in the US, it is defined as any issue that prevents a person from doing meaningful work they were trained for. At least that is what it used to be. My ex husband (older than me) retired on disability after he started having TIAs, Transient Ischemic Attacks, or mini strokes. He was an over the road truck driver and could no longer safely drive. He was on SS disability until he transferred to regular SS at age 65. That was in 1985. Recently our neighbor, who has brain seizures was taken off of SS Disability and told to get a job because he had not had a seizure in a while. Things were fine for about a year. He had a seizure and hit a light pole with his pick-up. Now his wife drives him back and forth to work. So, I am assuming it has become more difficult to get SS Dis. I do not have RA. I have Giant Cell Arteritis, a cousin. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I have considered myself "disabled" for many years as I can not do what I want to do as a farm wife. Auto-immune is a double evil set of diseases. Not only are we disabled, we have to deal with an unsympathetic public that doesn't get it because :::: (and I have been told this a bajillion times ) "But, you don't look sick". RA, GCA, Lupus, all of these take a toll on parts of the body that don't show. So, I would say from my experience, yes you are disabled. But, you are also a freaking warrior.
Tell them to mind their own bees wax and also alot of disabilities are not visible. Xx
Yes you are right, it can be a severe disability if not treated right, we have a chronic disability which means we will never get better, and we have good days and bad days. Sadly our disability is a so-called hidden illness and is very much misunderstood, even by loved ones.
It's interesting that many respondents have attempted to define "disability" but without any reference point, just from (perhaps) personal experience and opinions. I have felt liberated, discovering that there are various Models of Disability and there are definitions, depending on which context you might find yourself in. There is the Charity Model of Disability, the Medical Model of Disability and, for me most liberating, the Social Model. It states that disability is not a personal attribute but a limitation, imposed on us by an external entity such as society. We can all have impairments, but they're not the same as disability. I'd urge you to do an internet search for Social Model of Disability. It blew my mind!
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