'Five common myths about disability we need to stop believing'
By Lisa Cox|
I spent the first 24 years of my life without disabilities, so I understand it can be difficult when you genuinely want to do or say the 'right' thing to someone with a disability but just don't know what that is.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is December 3. In acknowledgement of the 4.4 million Australians with a disability, I'd like to straighten out just some of the many myths around disabilities.
There's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to engaging with a disabled person กช every individual has their own strengths and weaknesses, just like in the non-disabled community.
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Myth 1: It's easy to identify someone with a disability
As many as 90 per cent of disabilities are not easily identified when you look at the person.
For instance, some mental disabilities are easy to recognise, but conditions like ADHD, autism, a number of brain injuries and acquired disabilities are impossible to spot straight away.
They might become apparent over time as you get to know a person, or they may just tell you straight away กช everyone is different. The important thing is not to make assumptions after you find out someone has a disability.
Myth 2: Disabled restroom facilities are exclusively for individuals in wheelchairs
Yes, these restrooms are designed with more space to enable the wheelchair user to access them, but they're not exclusively for this purpose.
Others who have a disability and benefit from more space and additional privacy include those with a colostomy bag, which may require cleaning and running water in privacy. Adults with autism who require assistance to use the restroom also benefit from some additional space and privacy.
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You don't need to understand someone's disability to empathise with their need for disabled restrooms, dignity and privacy.
Myth 3:?Disabled workers are less reliable
Disabled workers sometimes have additional commitments outside of the workplace.
Kidney disease patients require regular visits to their dialysis clinics, those with autism might require additional downtime to rest, and a number of other conditions require people to check in with their medical caregivers regularly for treatment and assessment.
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This does not make them less reliable as employees. These individuals are often more tenacious, determined, and dedicated to their roles in the workplace. Employers that afford these employees some flexibility are likely to enjoy loyalty and dedication in return.
Myth 4: Disabled people dislike children asking questions about their disability
This is often untrue, but not always. Some people prefer not to discuss their disability, while others are very happy to educate others on the way in which they live.
Children that are innocently curious are rarely felt as invasive by a disabled person. They are naturally curious and non-judgemental, and their questions are not prying and nosey but politely curious.
Adults who want to respect the disabled person's preferences are welcome to ask if the recipient is comfortable with the questions before telling a child to stop asking questions. Hushing a curious child in public is unnecessary and does not convey respect, contrary to popular belief.
If in doubt, simply ask yourself, "Would I say this to a non-disabled person?" For example, you're unlikely to approach a stranger and ask them directly about a personal and private matter. So please pay disabled people the same courtesy and respect. It's common sense and good manners.?
Myth 5: Disabilities are acquired at birth
Not all disabilities are acquired at birth. Injuries caused by car accidents, illnesses and other mishaps account for a fair number of disabilities as well.
One type of disability is not really 'better' or 'worse' than another, and no two people with the same sort of disability will necessarily have a lot in common other than their medical diagnosis.
All disabled people have unique backgrounds, interests and?stories, whether they were born with a disability or acquired it later on.
Lisa Cox is a disability advocate, author, speaker, model and activist. You can find her on Instagram here.
