MANY people fight some kind of stereotype and disabled people are no exception. But the barriers disabled people face often begin with people’s attitudes, which may be rooted in misinformation and misconceptions about living with a disability.

Disabled people are brave and courageous. “Adjusting to a disability requires adapting to a lifestyle, not bravery and courage,” says Sheila Flynn, the assistant director of learning and development at Grooms-Shaftesbury. The charity provides residential and nursing care for people with learning and physical disabilities. Fred Hearn, a service user of Grooms-Shaftesbury who uses a wheelchair, points out that he “needs hugs and love the same as anyone else”.

All wheelchair users are chronically ill or sickly. The link between wheelchair use and illness may have evolved through wheelchair use in hospitals. People use wheelchairs for various reasons, none of which necessarily relate to illness.

There is nothing one person can do to eliminate the barriers that disabled people face. Accepting disabled people as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself is a good start. Everyone can contribute to change by understanding the need for making parking, meetings and events accessible and to encourage disabled people to participate. You can also speak up when negative words or phrases are used about disability.

Wheelchair users are “wheelchair bound”.People are not confined to wheelchairs, Flynn says. “A wheelchair, like a bicycle or a car, is [an] assistive device that enables someone to get around.”

People with disabilities always need help. “Always ask if a person needs help before you act,” Hearn says. “Many disabled people are independent and capable of giving help.” He says that sometimes he may need help but that he is not stupid and people should address him and not his carer.

Disabled people are more comfortable with their own kind. In the past disabled people were grouped in separate schools and institutions. Today many disabled people take advantage of new opportunities to join mainstream society.

Nondisabled people have an obligation to “take care of” disabled people.“Anyone can offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to be responsible for themselves,” Flynn says.

Curious children should never ask people about their disabilities. Many children have a natural curiosity. But Flynn says that scolding a child for asking an embarrassing question may make them think that having a disability is wrong or bad. “Most disabled people won’t mind answering a child’s questions,” she says.

The lives of disabled people are totally different from those of people without disabilities.Disabled people go to school, get married, work, have families, shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, vote, plan and dream like anyone else. Hearn says: “Disability doesn’t mean your life stops, it is just a different sort of life.”

Most disabled people cannot have sexual relationships. Disabled people are sexual beings, just like other people, but may have to adapt their sexual activity. Disabled people can also have children, either naturally or through adoption.

Hospitals are equipped to treat disabled people. An urgent review is required, Flynn says. “Resources in hospitals in terms of equipment and clinical knowledge are limited.” Clinicians and social care workers should realise that they are not the only experts, Hearn says. Disabled people often know best how their own disability should be managed.

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