Disability can be a complex issue, often misunderstood by many people. There are far more nuances to it than one would realize at first glance. While there are many myths, assumptions, and misconceptions around disability, the general population has come to accept some of these as facts. You may be surprised to find some of the misconceptions and just how wrong they really are.
A person’s disability defines who they are as an individual.
People with disabilities are not defined by their disabilities. It is just one of the many pieces of their identity. The essence of who someone is should be based on personality, interests, and talents. People with disabilities are, above all, human. Their identity goes way beyond their physical appearance, their condition, or the perceived limitations they may or may not have. Addressing someone based on their disability or impairment is unacceptable. The "blind guy" or "autistic woman" actually has a name and should be addressed as such.
People with disabilities are always dependent on others
While it is true that people with severe disabilities often need the support of caregivers for their day-to-day living, it doesn't imply that every disabled person cannot be completely independent or have some degree of independence. People with disabilities are very good at adapting to their conditions. More often than not, they will find their own way of doing things that works for them. The misconception that all disabled people need constant care and depend on others is a result of stereotyping.
Life with a disability isn’t normal
This is probably the biggest misconception out there about living with a disability. Contrary to popular belief, people with disabilities are not always going in and out of the hospital. Our lives, for the most part, are as normal as can be. We have family, we go to work, we have responsibilities and chores, we go out, we have fun, and sometimes we mess up and have to pick up the pieces as well. Things are not as dramatic or unusual as most people assume.
People with disabilities cannot lead a full and productive life
People with disabilities are capable of participating and contributing fully to community life. If you take a close look around you, you'll definitely notice that the community is full of people with disabilities making the most of their lives. Having a disability doesn't make anyone less valuable, productive, or capable. Mechanics who are blind, nurses and doctors who are wheelchair users, entertainers with mental impairments, painters without arms, and so on—it's all been done!
People with disabilities can only do basic, unskilled jobs
I strongly believe that this misconception is perpetuated by the fact that most people think that a physical disability also means one has a mental impairment. The reality is that disabled people are just as skilled, talented, and capable as their non-disabled counterparts. As long as they have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job or position, they too can get things done!
People with disabilities are a one-dimensional group
As someone who has had a disability all his life, I cannot tell you how many times someone has made an assumption about me simply based on what they think they know about disabled people or people with my condition; it's insane! There is a tendency to view people with disabilities as one-dimensional, with similar characteristics. This couldn't be any further from the truth. People with disabilities reflect the same diversity that exists in the world. We all have different values and beliefs, interests, opinions, and outlooks on life. We shouldn't be summed up as a one-dimensional group.
People with disabilities don’t want or can’t be in relationships
There are a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes about intimacy and dating with disabilities. One common misconception is that disabled people are not able to or cannot have romantic relationships. This is just an invalidated and dangerous misconception, as it creates a barrier that makes it more challenging for people with disabilities to experience romantic or sexual relationships.
I obviously don't want this article to go on forever, so I'm going to end it here for today. I hope you found it insightful and informative. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, if you have any.
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~~Aaron Shu~~