Make a connection.
There seems to be a misconception in parts of society—a sense of discomfort or fear—when it comes to being around people with disabilities.
In many cases, this fear comes from a good place. People often worry about saying the wrong thing or unintentionally offending someone. But the reality is, we’re just like everyone else. Yes, we might face more challenges than the average person, but people with disabilities are some of the strongest, most resilient individuals you’ll ever meet.
There’s no need to tiptoe around us. You don’t have to walk on eggshells or overthink every word. If you’re curious about something—just ask. And if someone doesn’t want to share, they won’t. That’s okay too.
It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure at first. That’s human nature. But try leaning in instead of pulling away. Start a conversation. Make a connection. You might learn something about their disability—and you might just learn something about yourself too.
By Daniel Laing