10 Common Assumptions Made About People With Disabilities

Under the ADA a disability is known as a legal term, not a medical one. By definition the ADA says,

"A person with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity".

​​Many people associate the word disability with one type of affliction, however disability covers a broad spectrum of impairments.

The following are 10 common assumptions made about people with disabilities/disability -

1. A person's disability defines their identity as an individual.

"Sometimes your light shines so bright that it blinds people from seeing who you really are." - Shannon L. Adler

This is exactly what our campaign is trying to disprove. When people meet, or see a person with a disability of any kind that's usually all they see, their disability. They see that person isn't able to do, or what limitations they have because of their disability. They aren't able to see what they can do, or the special talents they may have. People need to look past the impariment and view them as a person who has value and their life has meaning.

​2. If someone has a disability they're always sick and/or in constant pain.

While some physical disabilities may cause pain, the majority of people are not constantly sick or in pain. This is another example of stereotyping others based on what they have heard or been conditioned to think. People with disabilities are often some of the strongest people we will ever meet, because they have had to overcome challenges, obstacles, and yes, perhaps even pain.

3. You will be able to tell if someone is disabled.

Yes, sometimes a person’s disability is visible. Some examples include: if they have leg braces, if they’re blind, or if they are confined to a wheelchair. However, physical disabilities are not the only kind of disabilities. Invisible impairments are as prevalent in society as physical ones.

4. If someone has a disability they should be treated differently because they are special.

Most everyone who has a disability wants to feel as if they are equal to everyone else, they want to be treated as a “normal” person would be. Using the term “special” does not make them feel equal. In order to ensure someone with a disability feels equal, you must treat them as such, and not make any “special” adjustments for them. There is an exception and that involves things that allow them to function as others do. For example building ramps for those in wheelchairs, or having brail for those who are blind. Probably the most common are handicapped parking spaces. The able-bodied people who use these spaces show they simply do not respect those who need it most.

5. People with disabilities are all the same.

The word “disability” covers a wide range of impairments, and that very fact implies they are not all the same. People with disabilities are not all the same. They have their own personalities, wants, needs, likes and dislikes, just as those with no disabilities.

6. If someone has a disability, they aren't able to make their own decisions.

People often think that they need to make decisions for people with disabilities because they’re worried they might make the wrong decision. Everyone should be able to make their own decisions, even if it’s the wrong one. Would a able-bodied person want to have choices made for them simply because someone thought they couldn’t make the right decision. Of course not, so why should we assume that those who have a disability would feel differently. Why would people who don’t have a disability think they have the right to make decisions for those less fortunate without at least asking them. It shows a disregard for those people, and certainly not fair.

7. You cannot lead a full and productive life if you have a disability.

Just because someone may have a disability, does not mean they are incapable in participating in day-to-day activities. A concept that is hard for many to understand is that you should never focus on one’s limitations, but rather focus on their ability. Everyone, disabled or not, has to answer the same questions in life, and go through same experiences. That’s what life is about and we should never deprive anyone of living their life.

8. It is okay to use the word retarded, or describe someone as a "retard."

It is never okay to describe someone as a retard. People understand when you use that word, you are using it with the intention to categorize them as different. The word retard brings a very negative connotation when you use it to describe someone. This word can be considered hateful speech. Instead of referring to someone as a retard, try calling him or her by their name. Using their name instead of the word “retard” refers to who they truly are and shows respect.

9. People with disabilities always need help.

Always ask before you help someone with a disability. Yes, many with disabilities need assistance at times, however it doesn’t mean they are incapable of being independent. Never assume they need help, but always offer.

10. People with disabilities deserve our pity.

Having a disability is often associated with carrying a huge burden for the rest of your life. Because of this, people who have disabilities are often trigger a reaction of feeling sorry for them. Having a disability doesn’t mean the quality of ones life diminishes; it simply means there is something specific that makes them even more unique. They do not want our pity, they want our understanding.

These assumptions are all made because of lack of interaction, information, and understanding between people who have a disability and those who do not. By informing yourself, you can better understand what disability is, and that realize those who have a disability are just like you and me. We all need help at some point, we all want respect, and we all want to be accepted.

"Your perspecitve on life comes from the cage you were held captive in." - Shannon L. Adler

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