For this topic, I had a little help from some friends. Friends that yes, you can assume are disabled as well. I asked them what they thought were the do’s and don’ts when approaching or interacting with someone who is disabled;
1. The stares. It’s mainly the children, but it feels like the individual is looking into your soul or something. Personally I’d say a glance is fine, but looking as if I’m a ghost is a no-go. Just because we may not do something exactly the way you do, but that doesn’t give you an invitation to stare.
2. I’d prefer for you to ask questions. However, be cautious on how you word the question. For example, “what’s wrong with you?” is not acceptable. A better way to phrase the question is, “why do you walk differently?” or “what causes your hand to bend that way?”
3. Disabilities are not contagious, so no need to act as if it is. That being said, it’s okay to interact with us.
4. “I get it!” It’s quite fascinating or amazing to see someone do something in such a different way than you. However, you don’t have to celebrate EVERYTHING. We’ve been doing things for years. Practically pros at it!
5. There’s no need to baby us or constantly tell us how special we are. Think about it, everyone is special in their own way, but would you just walk to a stranger and tell them that? I doubt it. Compliments and encouragement is fine, but don’t overdo it.
6. We’re not all mentally disabled. No need to act as if we can’t comprehend what’s being done or not being done for us.
7. When it comes to help, for the most part, we’re all very independent. Don’t assume that we’re incapable of completing tasks. Every now and then we may need assistance with certain things. Be willing to help when needed.
As a psychology major, I’ve learned that by certain ages as a baby develops, they’re supposed to be doing certain things. For example, by the age of two, a baby should be walking. That is for an average non-disabled baby. But a baby with a disability isn’t necessarily going to fit those timelines. We’ve learned to do things in our time, and in our own way. None of us asked to be born this way; it was something that God felt necessary for us. The days haven’t been easy and I bet most of us cried way more than we laugh, especially growing up and having to deal with things like bullying. The best way to help us turn those frowns upside down is to be educated. It’ll help to teach your kids at a young ages that EVERYONE is different and that everyone isn’t going to look, walk, talk, eat, etc like them. It’ll help if people would not judge a book its cover, but unfortunately, I know it doesn’t work that way.
At the end of the day, we’re all still humans. We are humans that have feelings. I just ask that you be more cautious when interacting with someone that is disabled. All it takes is one person. One person can change the mind of many.
#stillRising
#stillRising 