The Hidden Struggles of Disabled People in the Warm Weather

The UK is experiencing hotter summers due to climate change, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. While warm weather can be enjoyable for many, it poses significant challenges for disabled people, who often face unique difficulties that go unnoticed. From regulating body temperature to navigating inaccessible environments, the impact of rising temperatures can be severe and even life-threatening. Here, we explore the many challenges disabled people in the UK encounter during warmer weather and highlight the urgent need for better support and resources.

Difficulties in Regulating Body Temperature

Many disabled individuals struggle with body temperature regulation, making them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, and autonomic dysfunction can impair the body’s ability to sweat or cool down naturally. Some neurological conditions reduce the body’s ability to detect overheating, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. People with limited mobility may also be unable to remove layers of clothing or reposition themselves to cool down, further exacerbating discomfort and health risks.

For those reliant on carers, regulating body temperature can become a challenge if assistance is not available when needed. Even basic cooling strategies, such as using fans, damp cloths, or cold drinks, can be difficult to access without support. The inability to efficiently cool down can lead to serious complications, including dehydration, confusion, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, life-threatening conditions.

Limited Access to Cooling Resources

Many cooling strategies that are easily accessible to the general population can be out of reach for disabled people. Public cooling centers, libraries, and shopping centers can provide respite from the heat, but if they are not fully accessible, they remain an impractical option. Transporting portable fans, ice packs, or cooling vests may also pose difficulties for people with mobility impairments or those who lack the strength to carry extra items.

Additionally, some disabled individuals rely on benefits or live on limited incomes, making it harder to afford air conditioning units, high-energy-consuming fans, or additional cooling products. In social housing, especially in older buildings, tenants may not have control over ventilation or be permitted to install cooling equipment. With the UK’s infrastructure not traditionally built for extreme heat, many homes become unbearably hot in summer, leaving disabled individuals at increased risk.

Navigating Inaccessible Environments

During warm weather, people naturally seek out cooler environments, but for disabled individuals, moving around to find these spaces can be a significant challenge. Many public places still lack step-free access, functional lifts, or accessible transport options. This restricts their ability to travel to air-conditioned areas or shaded outdoor spaces, effectively trapping them in overheated environments.

Uneven pavements, long distances between bus stops, and poorly maintained pathways make travel in hot weather even more exhausting for those with mobility impairments. For wheelchair users, tarmac and concrete surfaces absorb and radiate heat, making journeys in urban areas stiflingly hot. Those who rely on mobility scooters or other aids may also find that their equipment overheats or malfunctions in extreme temperatures, potentially leaving them stranded.

Increased Health Risks in Hot Weather

Extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions, posing serious risks to disabled individuals. Heat can worsen chronic pain, fatigue, and respiratory issues, making daily activities even more difficult. Those with cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk of complications due to dehydration and increased strain on the heart. Heatwaves have been linked to higher mortality rates among disabled and elderly individuals, yet public awareness remains limited.

For people with sensory disabilities, the dangers of hot weather may not always be immediately apparent. For example, individuals with reduced sensation due to nerve damage or paralysis may not realise they are overheating until they begin to experience severe symptoms. Similarly, people with cognitive disabilities may struggle to communicate discomfort or recognise signs of heat exhaustion, placing them at higher risk of serious medical emergencies.

Medication and the Body’s Response to Heat

Many medications commonly prescribed for chronic illnesses and disabilities can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and diuretics, can impair the body’s ability to sweat, leading to an increased risk of heatstroke. Some medications may also cause dehydration, making it crucial for individuals to increase their fluid intake during hot weather.

For those on medication that affects blood pressure, heat can cause additional complications, leading to dizziness, fainting, or increased fatigue. However, staying adequately hydrated and cool can be challenging if an individual relies on assistance to access water, adjust clothing, or take breaks in the shade. Managing medications safely in warmer weather often requires extra planning and support, which is not always readily available.

Challenges for People with Mobility Impairments

Individuals with mobility impairments often struggle to move to cooler locations, particularly when access is limited. Heat can increase fatigue, pain, and swelling in conditions such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy, making movement even more difficult. Those who use prosthetics may experience discomfort as the heat causes swelling or excessive sweating, leading to irritation and difficulty wearing their devices.

Outdoor spaces that could provide cooler environments, such as parks or lakesides, may be difficult to access due to a lack of step-free paths, uneven terrain, or inadequate seating. For those who rely on personal assistants or carers, schedules and availability can limit opportunities to move somewhere cooler. As a result, many disabled people are left with few options other than remaining in overheated homes, where temperatures may rise to dangerous levels.

Limited Access to Facilities for Staying Cool

Access to public facilities that provide relief from the heat is often restricted for disabled individuals. While many people can visit swimming pools, leisure centers, or shaded public gardens, these locations are not always fully accessible. Steps into pools, a lack of hoists, or inadequate changing facilities can prevent disabled individuals from enjoying cooling activities.

Public transport, which could help individuals reach cooler locations, is not always a viable option due to accessibility issues. Buses and trains may not have functioning air conditioning, making journeys uncomfortable and unsafe. Additionally, some disabled individuals may experience difficulties with queuing, which is often required when accessing public pools or cooling centers during peak times.

The Need for Greater Awareness and Support

Despite the increasing frequency of heatwaves in the UK, there is still a lack of awareness about how extreme heat and warm weather disproportionately affect disabled individuals. Public health campaigns often fail to address the specific risks faced by those with disabilities, and emergency plans do not always include accessible cooling strategies.

More needs to be done to ensure that disabled individuals have access to cooling resources, whether through financial assistance for cooling equipment, improved accessibility in public spaces, or increased carer support during heatwaves. Local councils and policymakers must also consider the needs of disabled individuals when designing urban spaces and emergency response plans.

Warm weather presents a range of challenges for disabled people in the UK, from difficulties regulating body temperature to navigating inaccessible environments. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, it is essential to address these issues and implement practical solutions. Increased awareness, better infrastructure, and improved accessibility can help ensure that disabled individuals can stay safe and comfortable during hot weather. As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial that the needs of disabled people are not overlooked and that steps are taken to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.