What's classed as a disability?
The government defines disability as ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’
Some conditions, like multiple sclerosis or cancer, are automatically treated as disabilities under the Equality Act. Others, like Crohn’s disease, autism or depression, might be officially recognised as a disability depending on how much they affect your daily life.
You might have been born with your condition or developed it. It could be something you’ll have for the rest of your life, or something you hope to overcome. Maybe you’ve always experienced it but only recently got a formal diagnosis.
You may not think of yourself as ‘disabled’, but if you’re considering whether the government definition of disability applies to you, think about how your condition affects your day-to-day life. If it makes it more difficult for you to carry out daily tasks then it’s likely to be covered.