Seeing the person, not the disability
Eastlight resident, Tammy, shares what truly makes a difference when it comes to disability inclusion.
As part of our ongoing Purple Tuesday campaign, we’re highlighting the experiences of a resident to showcase steps we can all take to better understand disability and shape more inclusive, person-centred support and communities.
Tammy, an Eastlight resident and member of our Active Residents’ Network, lives with long-term health conditions that affect her mobility. She uses a wheelchair and experiences chronic pain, but approaches life with humour and honesty. Above all, she hopes our staff see her, not just her disability. She says:
“I’m very able to do things and I will ask if I need help. My wheelchair doesn’t define me – it’s simply my form of independence.”
Seeing – and speaking to – the person
One of the toughest challenges for Tammy is when people simply look past her. She says:
“Sometimes, I’ll go into the supermarket with my son – who’s my full-time carer – and they’ll say hello to him, but not to me. And I’m just sitting there thinking: am I not here?”
For her, the antidote is simple: kindness, connection and respect.
“Treat us as humans. We are people! We think – we feel. Have a laugh with me; have a joke with me – I appreciate that.”
Tammy says openness makes a huge difference.
“Just talk to the person and be honest. Say: ‘I don’t know anything about your disability – can you tell me about it?’ Open yourself up to learning,” she advises.
She also reminds us that disability can be invisible, and the emotional adjustment can feel like a grief-like process for many. Recognising this helps us respond with empathy and patience.
To bring this to life, she invites people to imagine the challenges she faces daily:
“I can’t get out of my bungalow without somebody being with me. Think about everything you do in your day – and how you’d do that if you were disabled.”
Support shaped around the individual
Tammy believes the biggest mistake is assuming all disabled residents have the same needs. She encourages our teams to learn about someone’s specific disability and to tailor support accordingly, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Small gestures can have a big impact. For residents visiting our hubs, offering a comfortable seat can make it easier for someone managing pain or fatigue.
When visiting residents at home, clear communication is crucial – particularly for residents with mental health conditions.
Tammy is quick to praise the positive experiences she has had with our teams:
“When your Repairs Team come round, and realise I’m disabled, they’re always very helpful.”
But she also knows there is always room to grow – by staying curious, asking questions and seeing every resident as an individual with unique needs.
Strength, acceptance and positivity
Despite the daily challenges she navigates, Tammy remains proud of her resilience and what she has gained from her experiences. She says:
“I’ve had so much taken away – but I’ve also gained the same amount back. I can volunteer, I can help, I can voice opinions.”
A huge thank you to Tammy for sharing her story so openly.
To learn more about how we’re boosting disability inclusion across Eastlight – including practical tools and support for residents – click here.
