Introduction

Person First Language

Stereotypes, Myths, and Facts

Discrimination

Disability Awareness

Back to Units

Back to Home

Stereotypes are commonly formed when we have little or no information about groups of people who are different from ourselves and our peer groups. Unfortunately, stereotypes tend to be negative and derogatory in nature. Stereotypes have been created for just about every group of people in our society; women, blondes, people who are gay, people of any ethnic or cultural background different from ours, and of course, people with disabilities.

Take a moment to think about possible stereotypes centered on people with disabilities. Which ones can you think of?

Some common stereotypes include:

• They are stupid.
• They are lazy.
• They are strange.
• They are crippled.
• They lead completely different lives than people who do not have disabilities.
• They are more content with other people who also have disabilities.
• They are deserving of pity.
• They can’t do things for themselves.

These are some of the more common beliefs society tends to hold towards people with disabilities, but I’m sure you were able to think of some others! Notice in this list the use of the word “they.” “They” are strange. “They” are stupid. In this context, even the use of this word connotes separation from the norm. It insinuates an ‘us versus them’ mentality. You’ll learn more about how to avoid such language by clicking on the Person First Language link on this page. To find out if you are currently holding on to any stereotypes or myths about people with disabilities, take a look at the following myths and facts.

Myth: Persons with disabilities are inspirational, courageous, and brave for being able to overcome their disability.
Fact: Persons with disabilities are simply carrying on normal activities of living when they drive to work, go grocery shopping, pay their bills, or compete in athletic events.

Myth: Persons with disabilities need to be protected from failing.
Fact: Persons with disabilities have a right to participate in the full range of human experiences including success and failure. Employers should have the same expectations of, and work requirements for, all employees.

Myth: The lives of people with disabilities are completely different than those without disabilities.
Fact: People with disabilities go to school, go to work, are involved in intimate relationships, have families, shop, pay taxes, vote, and have similar dreams and desires that other people do.

Myth: People who are blind have a sixth sense.
Fact: People with blindness often do tend to develop their remaining senses more highly than others, but they do not have a sixth sense.

Myth: People with disabilities have different goals than people without disabilities.
Fact: People with disabilities come from a wide range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, just like anybody else. Therefore, their goals are as varied and different as yours and mine are.

Myth: People with disabilities have problems getting around.
Fact: People with disabilities know what accommodations they need to get around and make use of them successfully. It’s only when attitudinal or architectural barriers get in the way that problems arise.

Link to next section Discrimination

Back to People First Introduction