There is an unfortunate stigma that comes with being not up to societal physical or mental standards. These individuals who are considered “sub-par,” based on this set expectation of what is normal, are constantly ridiculed and deemed to be outcasts. The idea of having a physical or mental sub-par aspect to oneself is typically referred to as having a disability.
There are a multitude of terrible preconceptions that some able-bodied people have about the disabled.
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Firstly, they see a disability as something that is self-defining. It is often thought, that having a disability limits a person’s potential, and thus makes the person not worth being friends with because they look weird, act strange, or seem to be unreliable. Oftentimes, individuals with disabilities are fearful of their employer finding our they have a disability. This is a legitimate fear, based on the knowledge of this preconception.
Secondly, they see a disability as something to pity. Because they think a disability is self-defining, they feel bad for that person as a result. They would hate to be that person.
Lastly, and worst of all, they see a disability as something not worth living with. With media promoting that disabilities are not worth living with, the disabled are incredibly hurt. The inaccurate and romanticized representations of disabled individuals by Hollywood is something that needs to be realized.
The term “disability” has so many of these negative connotations that it’s time we begin setting the record straight: The disabled are not defined by their disabilities. They are merely at a disadvantage when it comes to certain tasks, and even find a way to compensate sometimes. Those with disabilities live their lives on their own terms, and often quite successfully.
The term “disabled” itself does not accurately describe the vast majority of disabled people. To many of the disabled, having less than ideal physical or mental characteristics does not prevent them from following their dreams, and it doesn’t stop them from achieving success. Some of the world’s most successful individuals have disabilities.
Those who are disabled from birth actually tend to adapt well because they don’t know life any differently. I’m nearly completely blind in my right eye and have no depth perception or peripheral vision. Despite that, and some additional disabilities, I find success in areas where my disabilities do not limit me. I don’t find that the undesirable aspects to myself define who I am and how successful I can be–I speak on behalf of the many disabled people that feel the same way. There are so many disabled individuals who defy the stereotypes. From Madeline Stuart, a model with Down Syndrome, to famous names like Stephen Hawking and Stevie Wonder, individuals with disabilities are showing the world that undesirable characteristics do not define someone, and that they do not prevent an amazing life full of accomplishments from being possible. Certainly, instead of pity, they deserve attention and respect for all of their accomplishments.
Ultimately, despite all the effort of activists and the great examples we see of individuals defying stereotypes, the stigma that surrounds the term “disability” remains. Some individuals simply do not understand that being disabled is not the end of the world, not something to pity and not something that is self-defining. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done, but the conversation is finally starting. I hope that I will live to see a day when the disabled are respected for who they are, recognized for the talents that they have instead of being ignored because of the limitations they may have, and valued as a life just like any able-bodied person.
