do I qualify as disabled

[sickoftheholidays]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I do apologise if its not.
I have recently filled in an occupational health questionnaire for a new job, and while I have never considered myself to be disabled, and have always answered no to thie question, after answering the questions on the form honestly, I'm left wondering.
I suffer from joint hypermobility, and have osteoarthritis in my lower back, hips, knees, fingers and one shoulder. I can walk a fair distance, but with some pain and am left crippled with joint pain for several days afterwards. I cant sit at a desk typing all day, as it makes my fingers hurt and my hips ache.

I'm not sure, but have you discussed it with your GP or even with Occupational Health?

I don't consider myself 'disabled' but I do have a blue badge because I don't walk very well - it looks to others like I can walk reasonably well at the time (with the help of a stick or my Sholley), however, I can pay for it for days afterwards if I do too much - so I try not to. I don't claim any form of DLA.

I'm afraid I don't know how it's graded, but I think it's worth discussing with medics who know.

You should bear in mind that unless you TELL your employer that you have disability as defined by the Equalities Act (just replaced DDA) then they are under no obligation whatsoever to make any reasonable adjustments to enable you to work safely & comfortably.

So if you say 'no I'm not disabled thanks' but then (for example) take more sick days as a result of your various conditions, they can discipline you accordingly. If you tell them you are disabled they are (theoretically) not allowed to discriminate against you as a result of your condition.

Your OH dept might be able to help with decent wrist supports, make sure your sitting position is assessed properly etc - this could all help you to work more safely and comfortably.

the government definition of disability is:
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Its up to you whether or not you declare it but bear in mind Grumpia's comments

I am disabled but I don't consider myself disabled ( have had RA for past 12yrs), however I am very clear about the position with my employer - they know all about my condition, my health & treatments and have been very supportive ( I know I am lucky), they know that they probably have a more committed employee because of it (drs/ tutors told me I would never be able to cope with my profession - made me stubborn and pig headed), so the minor inconvenience of having to adjust a bit for me are brushed aside

I have often wondered how this works. I have a condition with no name and am fine for say 3/4 days of the week but the other 3/4 I have pain which leaves me unable to walk It might not last all day but once it's better I need to keep the amount I walk to a minimum otherwise it comes back. I don't think anyone would ever consider me disabled but I do wonder how they decide.