Let's break down the barriers

Why do people feel uncomfortable when meeting someone with a disability?   It is most likely due to a lack of understanding and possibly a fear of the unknown.  Let’s first take a closer look at some of the barriers that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis - some of them may surprise you! Then we’ll offer some ways to feel more comfortable when interacting with someone who has a disability.

It’s important to keep in mind that a person’s disability does not define him or her.

Second class citizens

Sometimes a person with a disability is treated as a second class citizen.  Oftentimes, people will subconsciously treat those with disabilities as inferior to them.

Pity Party

Many people feel sorry for those with disabilities, though most people with disabilities do not want your pity or patronizing attitude.   They just want an equal opportunity to live independently.

The Pedestal

The media especially perpetuates this problem.  If a person with a disability is successful in some area of life by overcoming his or her disability, they are considered “special”.  Sometimes people refer to them as “brave”.  However, most people with a disability will tell you that they have simply learned to adapt to their disability just as someone who is short adapts to having a height disadvantage.  People with disabilities do not want praise for performing every-day tasks.  

Negative Assumptions

People often assume that those with disabilities are unable to do many things.  However, the reality is that people with disabilities usually find a way to adapt in order to do many things.  Many people assume that a person’s disability negatively affects other abilities or senses.  Usually this is not the case. 

Stereotypes

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those that positively stereotype people with disabilities.  For example, if a person is a blind, he must be a fantastic piano player or a woman in a wheelchair must be in the Paralympics. 

Unfair Advantage

Sometimes people with disabilities are given, but do not ask for, an unfair advantage.  Most people with disabilities do not want special treatment. They just want to be able to have an equal opportunity.

Being Avoided

Many people feel uncomfortable around a person with a disability because they are not accustomed to being around them.  They are afraid they might stare or perhaps do or say the wrong thing so they will avoid the person completely, rather than interacting with them. 

How should I interact with a person who has a disability?

The best way to break down these barriers is simple: raising the comfort level.  How can we do that? More frequent interactions between those with disabilities and those without.

Think of it as similar to meeting or interacting with a person from a different culture or someone who speaks a different language.  At first it may be uncomfortable and strange because you don’t know what to say, how to act, what is considered polite or rude, but after several interactions, you will begin to feel more comfortable.Over time, more interactions will increase familiarity, respect and sometimes even lead to great friendships and relationships.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Speak to a person with a disability like any other person rather than classifying them as “a person with a disability”.
• Do not make assumptions about their capabilities or attitudes.
• Talk to them directly, not down to them.
• Be polite and courteous as you would with any person.
• Offer assistance, but do not help until your offer is accepted.
• It is fine to feel nervous or uncomfortable around someone with a disability, but it is better to admit that to the person rather than pretend otherwise.  It will help break the ice and make you both feel more comfortable.  

Orlando Wheelchair Van Rentals

Just remember that people with disabilities are able to do almost anything that the rest of us can do.  In fact, many companies exist now to make it easier for those with disabilities to live and thrive in the world.  One company, Wheelers Van Rentals offers accessible van rentals to make it easier for those in wheelchairs to travel.  Wheelers offers free airport pick up and curbside delivery.

Learn more about Wheelers Services:

Texas Wheelchair Van Rentals

Dallas Wheelchair Van Rentals

Fort Worth Wheelchair Van Rentals

Las Vegas Wheelchair Van Rentals

Orlando Wheelchair Van Rentals

Charlotte Wheelchair Van Rentals

Santa Rosa Wheelchair Van Rentals

San Francisco Wheelchair Van Rentals

San Diego Wheelchair Van Rentals