The Right Approach: Inclusion For Disabled Individuals
By: Olivia Burd
According to the CDC, there are sixty-one million adults—about 26% of the adult population— with disabilities in the United States. (CDC). For an able-bodied individual, it can sometimes be tricky to approach someone with a disability for fear of coming off as ignorant or, even worse, offensive. However, there are ways that able-bodied people can help a disabled person feel integrated and accepted in society.
“It has only been 60 years since the modern disability rights movement really started working on the goal of seeing disabled people fully integrated and accepted into mainstream society alongside non-disabled people” (Forbes). Sixty years is still fairly new; that makes disability rights even more of a touchy subject as people learn how to approach these situations. Although society has made large strides over the past several decades, we are still learning about how to accommodate disabilities daily. We often assume that we need to ‘walk on egg shells’ around people with disabilities, when in reality those with a disability want to be treated in the same way as able-bodied people. This standard applies in both work environments and friendly environments. The laws against discrimination have been set for us in the workplace and other professional settings, but casual environments still need much improvement.
Photography: @Marcus Aurelius
The first step to inclusion begins with understanding and considering all disabilities; this includes those that aren't physically obvious. These are known as invisible disabilities, which can be defined as “disabilities that aren’t obvious at first glance but that come up only when a person is facing difficulties” (InclusiveCityMaker). The most common invisible disabilities include, but aren't limited to, Psychiatric Disabilities (Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, and PTSD), Epilepsy, AIDS/HIV, Diabetes, and Learning Disabilities. Most able-bodied individuals associate the word disabled with someone who needs a wheelchair. That is the idea that society has portrayed; with that way of thinking, those with invisible disabilities will struggle to feel integrated.
Photography: @Marcus Aurelius
With the number of disabled people on the rise, and with elders developing disabilities later in life, it is important to make sure these individuals’ workplaces are accessible. As an employer, putting yourself in the shoes of a disabled person will help in recognizing changes that need to be made to the physical space of your work environment. Some of the most common options in a workplace include wider hallways and doorways, elevators and escalators, access ramps, audio beacons in the main rooms, and (arguably, the most important one:) assistive technology. (InclusiveCityMaker). These changes sound simple, but to a disabled person it means the world; they feel much more integrated into the workplace.
Much like all other areas of life, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services, there is a certain etiquette that able-bodied people should follow when interacting with a disabled person.
“Ask before giving assistance.” It can be impossible to know what is helpful and what isn’t. In fact, they may not want assistance at all; most people with disabilities have figured out what they need to do to live day-by-day.
“Think before you speak”. Disabilities are a sensitive topic for most, therefore you need to be aware of what you are saying and how it comes across.
”Talk directly to the disabled individual, not their companions, aids or interpreters.” (IDHS).
Although this is just a framework, these steps make such a large impact on the relationship between an able-bodied person and a disabled person.
As a way of trying to be nicer to a disabled person we may unknowingly minimize their disabilities. “Most disabled people want to be noticed and known for more than their disabilities. But most don't want their disabilities ignored, overlooked, or minimized either” (Forbes). No matter how nicely you might have meant it, dismissal isn’t something that a disabled individual wants or needs to hear. For most, their disability affects their everyday lives; when an able-bodied person tries to dismiss it, it comes across as disrespectful. Openly and proudly accepting a disability makes others aware of it so they can learn and understand. As hard as it may be, these open conversations need to occur so disabilities become more normalized and accepted. Minimization allows others to stay naive.
Thankfully, society has made leaps and bounds towards full inclusion for disabled people, but to continue that success we need to keep learning. Many able-bodied individuals are “afraid of becoming entangled in an uncomfortable conversation we can’t get out of” (Forbes). This concern is dangerous for acceptance because it allows people to ignore the push for accessibility and inclusion. Knowing how to include and communicate with those who have disabilities is important to progress within casual and work environments. Just remember: we are all humans, just in different variations. □
Photography: @Marcus Aurelius
About The Writer
Olivia is currently enrolled at Arizona State University where she is working to obtain her online bachelors degree in English and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies! She has always had a passion for writing and enjoys doing it in her free time as well as for assignments and work. Along with other art forms, such as dance, Olivia enjoys using her skills to represent who she is and share her insights with others.
Article Credits
Olivia’s Instagram: @oliviaburd
Article Sources
http://www.ist.hawaii.edu/training/hiddendisabilities/05_hidden_disabilities.php
Photo Credits
