ACCESS FATIGUE AND THE IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH OF A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

The participation of people with disabilities in the most varied spheres of society can mean an exhausting struggle. The present work aims to address access fatigue and its possible impact on the mental health of people with disabilities. The term, named by the disability rights activist Annika Konrad, defines access fatigue as the physical and mental exhaustion resulting from the work of seeking access. The concept, still little disseminated, has become frequent in debates involving the participation of people with disabilities in society from an emancipatory and inclusive perspective. The experience of searching for access demands an effort from people with disabilities that can be exhausting, embarrassing, tiring, often causing them to give up participating and getting involved in events and activities due to the lack of accessibility. As an anti-disability practice, offering listening and giving visibility to the experiences of people with disabilities can mean a way towards a truly inclusive society.