Source: (5) The Role of Mentorship in Disability Inclusion | LinkedIn
Earlier this year, life reminded me of the meaning of privilege and how it can be temporary and beyond our control. I was diagnosed with progressive hearing loss and found myself having to adjust to a change bigger than me. The journey involved:
- Realising that this is real, unfair, and I can’t control its speed and direction.
- Breaking the news to my parents, who live in a different country.
- Making adjustments to try and operate like functioning human beings do.
This was just the beginning. It was scary. And if there is a moment in my life when mentorship made a difference, this is it, and here is why.
Acknowledging How Hard It Is
Mentorship creates an invaluable safe space. You should not expect your mentor to be exactly like you, or to be perfect and have all the answers. But know that they are there to listen in the highs and the lows and understand without judgment. This allows you to process what is happening to you, which is liberating and a critical step in adapting to change.
Loneliness Gets Real
Since the diagnosis, I found myself thinking, “There’s no need to share this with people and create a pity party. I don’t want anyone to get worried.” And there I was, creating the first layer of isolation that will inevitably bring more going forward. Talking to a mentor – whether they have the same disability, a disability to begin with, or none at all – helps you practise vocalising what’s really going on in your head.
Isolation and loneliness are common issues faced by individuals with disabilities and we can all do something to stop that. Regular interactions with a mentor create a sense of belonging and validation. This social and emotional support is vital for mental well-being.
Some Questions Can Be Answered
Talking to my mentor allowed me to check my facts. For example, he shared a way to speed up the process of getting hearing aids when I thought it’d be too early to get them. We researched the right type of headphones I can wear to do the things I love, like running. Your mind and body are trying their best to figure out a way to fight what’s happening to you, but getting external points of view is key to reducing false beliefs.
Facing Stigma, Head Held High
Whether you like it or not, the majority of people around you won’t fully understand what you are going through. Facing societal stigma is one of the toughest challenges.
A mentor helps you build resilience, teaching you how to handle people’s lack of knowledge and discrimination with grace. They equip you with strategies to educate others about your condition and advocate for yourself without feeling burdened by the responsibility to change everyone’s perspective.
Inclusion Works When It’s Practised
Allies are the future. The advocacy of your mentor makes a world of difference not only in supporting you but others who will need it. My mentor helped me understand the importance of asking for adjustments in the workplace, learning the skills I need to prepare for what’s coming, and acknowledging my rights and the support available to me.
Mentors play a pivotal role in spreading awareness by modelling inclusive behaviour and challenging others to do the same. Their advocacy creates a ripple effect, leading to broader societal changes that benefit everyone.
Conclusion
Mentorship is a powerful tool in the journey towards disability inclusion. It provides essential emotional support, practical advice, and advocacy, helping individuals with disabilities navigate their challenges with confidence and hope. By fostering inclusive communities and breaking down societal barriers, mentorship not only benefits the mentees but also enriches the mentors and the broader society. Through mentorship, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to thrive.
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