It is only fair to say that nobody likes stereotypes. These are misplaced beliefs and misconceptions that are better dismissed. They should even be dispelled, especially those that are attributed to people in a wheelchair or people that are disabled. Unfortunately, these stereotypes exist, and some that I have personally encountered feature the following:
Assuming That A Disabled Person Is Deaf
It is really baffling that somebody would think that just because another is disabled, and on a wheelchair for example, that person is deaf. In multiple times people have raised their voices when addressing me, and honestly, this is not only astounding but also annoying. For whatever reasons they harbor these thoughts, it is inappropriate.
Commending You For Leaving The House
It is quite insulting when a person approaches you in a bar when you are having a good time with friends and congratulates you for coming along with your friends or leaving the house. Making the fact that I left the house a huge deal is unnecessary and quite embarrassing. The life of a disabled person is no different from that of any other person, hence making such moves unbecoming. If you do not commend your other friends for meeting you at the shopping center, do not pull off the same on me.
Assuming You Know Every Other Disabled Person
Another unappealing and misplaced belief is the assumption that as a disabled person, you automatically know every other disabled person in the area. This is like treating disability like some exclusive club that all disabled persons join and pay membership for. No friend, I don’t know your disabled cousin.
Assuming You Cannot Speak For Yourself
It is quite frustrating when somebody approaches you, and just when you thought they were about to talk to you, they turn to the person near you as if you cannot speak for yourself. Unfortunately, this is quite common with cashiers. Personally, I have given money to a till checker to pay for something, but they later handed my change to my friend. This is quite infuriating.
Trying To Identify With Your Scenario
This is similar to the assumption that I know all people in wheelchairs in my locality or around town. Just because I am in a wheelchair does not mean you have to attempt to empathize with me. Keep those embarrassing stories of how you used a wheelchair for several months after breaking your leg playing soccer or running after the bus.
Honestly, I have no interest in your story, and there is not much I can do with such information. Being in a wheelchair does not mean I need your empathy or giving me these kinds of stories will not make me feel better. Disabled persons should not be viewed with pity; they are just like everybody else. The above misconceptions are just icing on the tasteless cake.
