See The Person: The Stereotypes of Being "Disabled"

I've always strived for equality, but it is taken away when people see me in a power chair or hear my voice. I have never asked to be treated differently from anyone else.

The stereotypes of being "disabled" are simply an insult. If people looked beyond the disability and the pieces of equipment we use to make our lives easier, they might see that we are just people trying to live our lives like the rest of the world.

Society has painted us as helpless, childlike individuals who don't have minds of our own and can't contribute to the world around us. This is an unfortunate reality for someone who has a "speech impediment" or a mobility issue.

If the world assumed competence, things could be much easier. People might talk to us, not at us, and see us as individuals with much to offer.

It's hard enough to advocate for our daily needs, let alone being treated as unworthy of being seen as a person.

Having to advocate for equality is not the easiest job when so many stereotypes are continually being placed upon us. Not only do we have to fight for our community to be seen and accepted by society, but some of us have to prove to the ”disabled” community that we’re just people as well.

Being treated as if we are children or can’t possibly think for ourselves or comprehend what’s going on around us are all stereotypes. These particular stereotypes and more are the very reason that we have the public obstacles that we do.

If we can’t be taken seriously... if we can’t even be seen as humans, how can we be expected to live “normal” lives? Furthermore, how can we be seen as anything more than our “disabilities”?

In my mind, I’m just a person. I’m just as capable as anyone else to be human and do what I want. Now, do I have to adapt to the world around me? Yes, absolutely, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do what my mind is set on doing.

Society puts people who have “disabilities” on the low end of the totem poll because we simply have different ways of living. However, every other person’s way of life is different. If we try to set societal “norms” and expect everyone to “fit” or comply with them, we will always fail as a society.

The most important thing to remember is that we are all PEOPLE who deserve equal treatment and opportunities in life. It shouldn’t matter if a person is disabled or not. We’re not all the same, either.

All humans are different, and people who have disabilities are no exception. There are spectrums, which means the same diagnosis can affect people in completely different ways.

Not to mention the fact that there are so many different disabilities that it’s ridiculous to assume the people who have them all go through the exact same thing. We all have our own journeys and stories, which make us unique.

When we’re able to share those experiences without presumptions, we end up surprising and making true connections with people.

The stereotypes that are placed on people who have disabilities are overrated and offensive. People need to open their eyes and just get to know others, not judge and assume.

See people as who they are, not what you think their label should be.

Is it possible for society to open its mind and accept that we’re all human?