Impairments such as limited mobility or poor eyesight are things that most of us will experience at some time in our lives
Not all impairments and health conditions can be seen - for example, epilepsy, depression, haemophilia and HIV are not visible
`Disabled people' is an umbrella term used to refer to particular groups - in some cases, all those who meet the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act (about 10 million people in the UK)
Around half of those who fit this definition do not describe themselves as disabled people. They are more likely to refer to themselves as having a particular condition.
Someone with depression will not think that a wheelchair user represents them. It is therefore good to provide a range of examples of disabled people in different government communications. This can depend upon the channel. A radio advert, for example, might be an opportunity to reflect a hidden impairment. An image-based communication could include someone with a hearing aid, an assistance dog user or a person without a limb.
Disability does not confine itself to some parts of society or to certain types of people. It affects people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions.
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