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As a group and as
individuals, people with physical disabilities
continue to be stigmatised, marginalised and
feared. People with physical disabilities have
rarely been depicted in the media, literature,
films etc in a positive or even just ordinary
manner. Thus, “the typical images are those
of pitiable burdensome creatures or helpless
victims which we have either demonised or
sanctified" (Hume, 1996).
People with disabilities
are not seen as equals but outside the norm of
humanity and the focus tends to be on what we
can’t do rather than what we can with a
gross lack of understanding that we just need
different supports to achieve our
goals.
At best, people with
disabilities arouse feelings of embarrassment,
guilt, discomfort and at worst, shame and
disgust.
Facts about physical
disability
- Having a physical
disability is not a colossal tragedy and your
life is not over once you acquire one.
- People with a physical
disability are not objects of pity or charity
but human beings who deserve dignity and
respect.
- People with a physical
disability are not dangerous or evil.
- People with a physical
disability have nothing wrong with their
comprehension and do not need be spoken to in
a loud voice or treated like children.
- People with a physical
disability are not eternally grateful, not
always cheerful and are certainly not
submissive.
- People with a physical
disability can make decisions about their own
lives.
- People with a physical
disability are not all superhuman
over-achievers, for example, the
‘super-crips’ who abseil down cliff
faces in wheelchairs or the quiet sufferers
selflessly enduring basic violations to human
rights.
- People with a physical
disability are not a burden on the community
or a drain on the resources of the economy
and on the friends and families providing
support.
- People with a physical
disability who do things like get married or
have children are not extraordinary.
- People with a physical
disability lead rich and fulfilling lives.
The hindrance is society, not the disability
itself.
- Families, particularly
spouses of people with a physical disability
are not exceptional people who did not choose
a fate worse than death.
- People with a physical
disability are sexual beings.
Homogensing people with
disabilities
The most powerful element
of stereotyping is that it homogenises people
with physical disabilities and does not allow
recognition of uniqueness or individuality. It
is important to remember that disability affects
different people in different ways depending on
a range of factors such as:
- age;
- cause;
- attitude;
- family
background;
- ethnicity;
- gender;
- sexuality;
- opportunity;
- socio-economic
status.
Whereas a person with
quadriplegia may be training for the
Paralympics, another is studying economics or
becoming a disability activist. Every person
with a disability is an individual and no one
should be expected to display a specific range
of characteristics.
References
Joan Hume, Media
Guidelines, Disability Council of
NSW, Castlereagh
Street Sydney, 1996.
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The
Physical Disability Council of NSW Inc (PDCN) is
the peak body representing people with physical
disabilities across New South Wales.
PDCN is involved in information, education and
systemic advocacy for, and on behalf of, people
with a physical disability.
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