Breaking Barriers: Supporting Ostomates on Stoma Aware Day
Today, on #StomaAwareDay, we at Herts Ability want to pause and reflect on the importance of awareness, inclusivity, and support for people living with a stoma.
For us, this isn’t just something we talk about - it’s personal. One of our amazing team members, James, our Lead ADI, is an Ostomate and has shared his journey with us:
James’ Story!
"Life with a stoma can be challenging but many people go on to live a healthy, full life.
People can have a stoma formed for many reasons - sometimes the surgery is planned, other times it’s lifesaving emergency surgery.
For me, I didn’t even know I was ill. Within the space of three days, I went from feeling a bit off to requiring eight hours of surgery.
The recovery was long and three years on, I’m still recovering. In fact, part of my recovery has involved dealing with a hernia, which is common but gives an additional challenge.
When it comes to driving, there are a host of things we should consider: seat belt positioning, fatigue (as many people struggle to get a full night’s sleep due to toilet anxiety), and the location of the nearest suitable toilet.
Talking about toilets is often seen as taboo. But it’s something we all need daily, often several times a day.
We should talk about toilets.
We should be aware of people’s needs.
And people with a stoma should never be embarrassed about their disability. Although stomas are generally not visible, they can be classed as a hidden disability. But to the person living with a stoma, it is always there and very visible."
The Reality for Ostomates
Living with a stoma can present real challenges, especially around independence and mobility:
- 🚻 62% of Ostomates say a lack of accessible toilets affects their daily lives.
- 😔 4% never leave home due to anxiety about managing their stoma in public.
These statistics are a reminder of why accessibility and awareness matter so much.
How Herts Ability is Taking Action
We’re committed to creating a supportive, accessible environment for everyone we work with. That’s why we’ve made changes to help break down barriers for Ostomates:
✅ Fully accessible toilets equipped for stoma care.
✅ Regular breaks during assessments to ensure comfort.
✅ Support for proper seat belt positioning during driving assessments.
Why Stoma Awareness Matters
Not all disabilities are visible. By raising awareness, we can reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and help ensure that Ostomates feel supported in every aspect of their daily lives - from travelling to learning to drive, and beyond.
At Herts Ability, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Happy Stoma Aware Day from all of us at Herts Ability - don't forget to head here for more help and resources!
