Why Chronic Illnesses Should Be Considered Disabilities: Explained
When most people think of disabilities, they likely picture someone in a wheelchair or someone with a visually noticeable impairment. However, chronic illnesses can also qualify as disabilities, and it’s important to understand why. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this classification and how it can impact those with chronic illnesses.
What is a chronic illness?
Before we delve into why chronic illnesses should be considered disabilities, let’s first define what a chronic illness is. A chronic illness is any illness or health condition that persists for an extended period of time, typically three months or longer. Examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis.
Why should chronic illnesses be considered disabilities?
There are a few key reasons why chronic illnesses should be considered disabilities:
- Impact on daily activities: Chronic illnesses can make it difficult for individuals to perform daily activities such as walking, standing, or sitting for long periods of time. These limitations can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work and engage in other essential activities.
- Long-term duration: As mentioned earlier, chronic illnesses persist for an extended period of time, often indefinitely. This means that individuals with chronic illnesses may require accommodations or modifications to their work environment or living space to accommodate their condition.
- Medical expenses: Chronic illnesses can lead to substantial medical expenses such as doctor visits, medications, and surgeries. These expenses can place a significant financial burden on individuals, particularly those who are unable to work due to their condition.
How does classifying chronic illnesses as disabilities help?
Classifying chronic illnesses as disabilities can provide individuals with important legal protections and resources. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. This means that individuals with chronic illnesses may be entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace or other settings to ensure they can perform their jobs or access public spaces.
Classifying chronic illnesses as disabilities also means that individuals may be eligible for disability benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits can provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to their chronic illness. Additionally, classifying chronic illnesses as disabilities can raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses and help to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Conclusion
Chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on individuals’ daily lives, and classifying them as disabilities is an important step in ensuring that individuals receive the legal protections and resources they deserve. By recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
