“Myths and Misconceptions“
People make silly assumptions about people with disabilities. Many people form preconceived ideas about the disabled community at large. From personal experience, here are just a few: MYTH 1. DISABILITY IS A DEVASTATING PERSONAL TRAGEDY WITH NO CURE.- The Truth- The lives of disabled people are not tragic. The solution to disability is to remove the environmental and attitudinal barriers which are the real causes of the disabling process.
- The Truth- There is no connection between mental health and intellectual ability. A quarter of people in the UK will have a mental health condition at some time in their lifetime regardless of their IQ score.
- The Truth- Other senses may be used to gain accurate information but there is no such thing as a sixth sense.
- The Truth- Some adults find the natural, uninhibited curiosity of children embarrassing. Reprimanding children for asking questions may cause them to think there is something ‘bad’ about disability. Most disabled people will not mind answering a child’s question.
- The Truth- Disabled people are not necessarily sick but are subject to the same illnesses as any other person.
- The Truth- Being physically unable to do something does not cause dependency-not being able to drive is solved by using the services of a bus or train company. Disabled people may require different services and it is only when choice over those services is removed that dependency occurs.
- The Truth- People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings. They can have relationships and children.
- The Truth- The experience of disability requires an adaptation of lifestyle rather than bravery and courage. It should be viewed, in many ways, as similar to any other significant life event.
- The Truth- A wheelchair, like a shoe or a car, is a mobility aid that enables a person to get around. Wheelchair users are restricted by an environment that has been designed for able-bodied living.
- The Truth- Disabled people go to school, work, form relationships, do their laundry, eat, get angry, pay taxes, laugh, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like anyone else.
Great start to highlighting the many myths and misconceptions. It will definitely take more than just this list though. People without disabilities have a lot to learn about people with disabilities and even people with disabilities have to learn more about each other. A whole heap of learning for us all! I feel the UK is doing a lot more than most countries and culturally has a better attitude towards disabilities than certain other countries. It would be great if Britain lead the way in this. We can hope or we can make it happen. :0)
Thank you
An interesting and insightful read, thank you.
You’re welcome