Hidden
disabilities
How people treat you can have a big impact on your life. In this Guide we explore what it’s like to live with a hidden disability and how other people’s treatment can make you feel.
ON THIS PAGE
Our experiences
In this film we meet four pupils from Exhall Grange Specialist School in Coventry.
Each of them has a hidden disability and they have all had experiences of being treated differently or being treated badly because of how other people perceive them.
Press the play button to watch the film.
Bullying
Calling people names or treating them badly because they have a disability or an additional need is a form of bullying.
It’s not right and you don’t have to put up with it.
So what can you do if someone has called you names, treated you badly, or bullied you?
- Tell someone what is happening to you. That could be a friend or a trusted adult like a parent, carer, or teacher.
- If you are being bullied in school then talk to a teacher. Your school has a duty to prevent bullying.
- If the person calling you names is a friend then you could tell them that their words are hurting you and explain how you feel. If they are a true friend then they’ll realise what they’re doing is bad and change.
- If someone is being violent to you, abusing you, or repeatedly harassing you, then you could speak to the police. If someone is treating you badly because of your disability that could be a hate crime.
- If you need help right now see our Get Help page.
Read all about Lucy’s behind the scenes experience making this film.
“Treat people the way you want to be treated. We are all different but the same.”
Lucy
Resources
If you would like more advice about bullying the following organisations may be able to help.
- Childline: advice and guidance for people who are being bullied and for people who are bullying others but want to stop it. You can also call or text Childline if you want to talk to someone about something you are experiencing.
- Mencap - bullying: advice for children and young people with a learning disability who are being bullied.
- Mencap - easy ready guide: an easy ready version of the advice above.
- Young Minds is a charity that provides advice to young people. They have a page on bullying on their website that offers guidance on what to do if you are being bulled.
