Many people have unfavorable or negative attitudes toward people with disabilities because of a lack of understanding. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this lack and how to bridge the understanding gap.
Ignorance
Lack of knowledge is one of the primary reasons many of us are reluctant or unwilling to associate with people with disabilities.
We often judge people by their appearance or public behaviors. When people look or act differently from what we are accustomed to, we tend to avoid them. We prefer hanging out with those with whom we can identify, those with similar backgrounds.
We may feel annoyed when a church leader dims the light or lowers the music sound because an autistic youth is in the congregation, not knowing bright lights and loud sounds may cause the autistic youth anxiety and agitation.
We might misjudge people, even dismiss them, because of their physical disabilities. We might make unkind remarks in front of people with developmental disorders, assuming they cannot comprehend us.
Ignorance often causes incorrect views of disabled individuals and unkind attitudes toward them. Increasing our knowledge about disability will enable us to extend understanding and compassion toward people with disabilities.
If we had the knowledge that autistic people are susceptible to environmental stimuli, we might be more compassionate and understanding. If we were aware that difficulties in social interaction or verbal communication do not mean a person is low in IQ, we might be more considerate and patient in our interactions with such individuals.
Misinformation
We live in an age with unprecedented amounts of information at our fingertips. Ironically, with so much information within instant grasp, we probably know much less than we believe. Much of our knowledge is superficial at best and inaccurate at worst. With remarkable technological advances, anyone can publish or tweet and become an influencer. It has become increasingly more difficult to tell if what we read or heard is factual or trustworthy. Some people do not check the source of their information, some present only partial information, and some vent out their personal feelings in the guise of expert opinion. Also, some disseminate untruths out of selfish motivation.
If we are not careful, we can fall prey to inaccurate or untruthful information about individuals with disabilities. We may believe that the disability community is demanding, always asking for preferential treatment. In fact, they are only seeking fair treatment, to have the same rights as people without disabilities. We may buy into the mindset that people with disabilities have “special needs” and that separate, special programs are all they need. Indeed, some individuals with severe disabilities need assistance and adaptions in everyday living. And yet, the fact remains that most people with disabilities have the same basic needs as the rest of us. They don’t need special treatment or special programs. They need understanding, acceptance, and belonging.
Misconception
Many of our perceptions about people with disabilities are “inherited” from our parents, elders, teachers, or environments. We may grow up hearing negative comments about people with disabilities or witnessing unkind treatment toward them. Gradually, we can buy into the common stereotypical and mostly negative view toward disabled people.
We may see disabilities as tragic and individuals with disabilities as victims of the tragedy. We may feel pity for the person, thinking, “Poor Linda! Too bad she is bound to that wheelchair.” Unfortunately, pity often leads to contempt, not compassion.
We may see disabilities as something to be fixed, and individuals with disabilities may become “cases” for medical or healthcare professionals. We may offer unsolicited and unwanted medical suggestions when all people with disabilities need is for us to accept them as they are and to see disabilities as part of their very selves.
These ingrained misconceptions are hard to overcome.
What Now?
Self-awareness is the first step to bridging the gaps and increasing our understanding of people with disabilities. No change will happen without the ability and humility to recognize our lack of knowledge, understanding, or compassion toward disabled people.
Once we recognize our lack, we must proactively make up for the lack. There is a plethora of resources that can help us gain knowledge and better understand disability-related issues. There are books on specific disability topics – disability types, disability laws, emotional needs for people with disabilities and their caregivers, healthcare and medical breakthroughs, educational resources for disabled people, intervention techniques, etc. Some organizations offer training and education to help communities recognize the disabled among them. There are also many reputable websites with tons of helpful, well-sourced information.
Being intentional is indispensable. Nothing will last or change without intention. We need to be intentional about the disabled among us and the challenges, struggles, and unfairness they experience. We need to be intentional about how to reach them, care for their needs, and help them become full participants in society.
Having our assumptions challenged and mindset changed is difficult. It takes humility and courage to admit our lack and become open-minded. But with good intentions and determination, we can make a difference.
