disability stereotype?
114093
MYTH:A person with a disability is sick, or has something wrong with them.\n \nFACT:Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it is not the same as being sick. Individuals with disabilities have varying degrees of need, and are sometimes sick, just as non-disabled are sometimes sick. Mistaking a disability for sickness not only fails to sometimes sick. Mistaking a disability for sickness not only fails to respond to a person's needs, it perpetuates a negative stereotype and an assumption that the person can and should be cured.\n \nMYTH:People with disabilities have a poor quality of life.\n \nFACT:This is one of the most common and damaging stereotypes, because it discourages social interactions and the development of mature relationships. People with disabilities have needs just like those who are non-disabled, and they strive for a high degree of quality of life as other individuals. Society handicaps individuals by building inaccessible schools, theaters, homes, buses, etc. The attitude that disability is a bad thing and that disability means a poor quality of life is often viewed as more disabling than the disability itself.\n \nMYTH:People with disabilities are inspirational, brave, and courageous for living successfully with their disability.\n \nFACT:A person with a disability a simply carrying out normal activities of living when they drive to work, go shopping, pay their bills, or compete in athletic events. Access to community based, long term service such as attendant care, access to buildings, public transportation, sidewalks, etc, access to quality health care, and necessary equipment enables them to carry on the same as non-disabled necessary equipment enables them to carry on the same as non-disabled people.\n \nMYTH:People with disability always need expensive and high-tech assistive devices or services.\n \nFACT:Simple inexpensive devices are often the most critical in helping people with a disability live independently. Assistive devices can be as affordable as an eating utensil or Velcro strap.\n \nMYTH:People with severe disabilities need to live in nursing home or rehabilitation hospitals or under constant supervision so that they do not hurt themselves.\n \nFACT:Unfortunately, this myth has created a system of long term care in our nation that relies on institutions such as nursing homes and other facilities. Even those with the most severe disabilities could live in their own home given adequate community based service, and at the very least, they should be given that choice.
692449
Hi there!  Yes, here are a couple of organizations in New Zealand that center around people with Autism and their families.\nThere is, and always will be, discrimination against people with Autism and other disabilities.  That is, unfortunately, just a part of life.  You would think by now that discrimination against disability, age, race, sexuality, et al, would be over, but....\nLuckily, there are individuals and groups that battle, legally, on the side of those with disabilties.  Best of luck!
1130841
They called it a disorder not a disability. There's a difference.
653875
I agree(although I hate the word retard). People with a learning disability, particularly Down's Syndrome, seem to have such a sweet, uninhibited disposition about them. It's like they have never thrown up the same emotional walls as the rest of us. I take a good deal of inspiration from my dealings with them.\nBrave question by the way, nice one!
409647
I think the politically correct term is "dwarfs."  However, I like "Height Restricted Persons" as a nice jab at the PC community.  As for me, I am "folicly challenged" (that is balding).
987308
absolutly. disabled makes him seem like.. you know.. like ehes blind.. or paralized or somthin..
41254
I have whats known as hidden disabilities.  I have also been in a wheelchair from time to time due to injuries and I can totally relate to what you are saying.  People that are ugly towards you because of your disability are not only mis informed, but incredibly shallow.  If they cant still see the real you inside, as much as it will hurt, I say dump them cause they arent worth your time and never were.  I have had to do that to a few people and while it hurt like hell, it made them look like idiots in the process.\n\nGood luck to ya, sweet person.
1096924
at a desk? Don't underestimate people with disabilities.
55930
The disabled are the most misunderstood people in the world.  There are visible disablities and hidden ones.  Anyone that calls me weird ought to look in a mirror.  If I am weird, then I am weird and wonderful and thats the only way to be.  We just want to be treated like everyone else.
443158
why are you behaving this way?  Do you have special needs  (educationally)?  If you actually knew someone who has a significant disability, I would hope that you would not behave the way that you are!!!!!
846624
People with disabilities have, historically, been put into institutions. They were kept apart from the community and abuse was very common.This has only changed in the past 30 years. I am unsure of exact websites but here are some search words that may help:\n\nmedical model of disability\nsocial model of disability\ninstitutionalisation\nChallinor Institute\nBasil Stafford Institute\n\nCheck out your local library too - there will probably be heaps to read.
407038
i dont think its right for anyone to judge anyone on their disability. but it happens, and its hard not to do.
1050855
I do my best not to stereotype people and I have gotten pretty good at it, but I was guilty of it in the past for sure.  Most of the time my stereotyping is not racial or religious or based on hair color though.  It is more based on social cliques and behaviors and I really do try my hardest to avoid it.
190814
It depends on what kind of disability group are you starting.  Deafness?  Wheelchair users?  Blind?  ADD/ADHD?  The catchy phrase could depend on what type of disability group you are forming.
393394
For me, it was when a friend of mine offered to push me around an amusement park in a wheelchair, just so I could go. I was 38 years old at the time and had disability come at the age of 34. I have a hard time accepting it. Anyway, I was going to stay home and not go on the field trip with our kids because I knew that I could not walk it. She offered, and then per-swayed me to go. We hung out all day and had a great time. She was totally unselfish in her act of kindness. She enjoyed my friendship enough to inconvenience herself. It meant the world to me.
657094
Legally, they cannot discriminate against you because of your disability.  The Americans with Disabilities Act states that if you are able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations, they cannot use your disability as an excuse not to hire you.  If they do, you have legal recourse against them (but do you really want to work for them if they have such a poor, discriminatory attitude???  Probably not.)  As someone else previously suggested, your local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will be able to help you with job placement and advocacy, and may have contacts with "disability-friendly" employers in your local community.
743555
none,and remember there are many categories of stereotyping,I'm sure theres one for all of us!