Statistics state that two-thirds of the British public feel awkward talking to a disabled person, why is this? Because disabled people aren’t that different from what you might have thought. Understanding, willingness and an open mind to learn to understand the disabled world.
We are just as human as you are!
This one is simple and straightforward as saying the words ‘we are human’ – at the same time it’s sad that we have to remind people that disabled people are people, too. If you’re looking for similarities between you and a disabled person, look no further. This obvious yet needed reminder should make you stop and think, disabled people haven’t been discovered by the starship enterprise living on a faraway planet. We’re all made up of the same beautiful cosmic dust, what a wondrous thing that we all have in common.
We love
Being human we all have this fundamental need to love and be loved. This complex human emotion that inevitably brings us together in this complicated yet amazing world we live in. Abs against all the odds, we reach out to one another to form a connection that we all hold dear to our hearts. Love does not discriminate on your ability, or any “differences”. – Disabled people love and are loved. We form romantic relationships, have family and friends we love, and most of all we are LOVED.
We like to enjoy ourselves
Now, not everyone, disabled or not, likes the same things if we were the same it would be boring and none of us would have anything to bitch about over a cocktail or 5 – People seem to be shocked to find out I do like going to the pub or a night out (granted not right now), but like many people in my age group. I think this frame of mind comes from “disabled people don’t leave their house” misconception. Just changing that one thought process about disabled people, maybe you wouldn’t be shocked to see us at the grocery store or having a yummy pub lunch. It’s sad that society doesn’t expect that just because we are disabled we couldn’t possibly have a social life.
We have hobbies and passions
Despite the common belief and misconception that disabled people just live to exist doing nothing, complacent due to our inability to be as physically able as you might be, sorry not sorry to pop that bubble for you. Ability doesn’t equal your worth. Passion and enjoyment in life doesn’t require any physical ability. It requires a lust for life and experiencing new things, however that looks for you; disability or not. My passions/hobbies are Music, writing, advocating, shopping, fashion, beautiful countrysides, human rights, new foods, meeting new people, formula One and travelling. I am sure whoever you are reading this right now, we have at least ONE thing in common. Well look at that, a disabled and non disabled person having something in common. who would have thought it stranger Things have happened?
We have friends
Society likes to believe when they see us out and about we are either with family or caregiver whether that’s a PA or carer, it never crosses their minds that non-disabled or disabled people might like us and we do have friends that enjoy our Company. I like to think I’m a pretty good friend.
We aren’t so different than non-disabled people even though the way we live and accomplish tasks can look a little different. we all have one fundamental thing in common: the need for human connection.
Kisses K
Are you disabled or non-disabled have you got one I might have missed off what do you we have in common? Feel free to leave me a comment.
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What a lovely and well written piece. As a relatively new disabled person it always amazed me how people always look and stare as if I’m an alien! I’ve always been very hard of hearing and noticed people shout and talk slowly to me but now I’m in a wheelchair it’s ridiculous as they talk over me as if I’m not there or struggle to have a conversation. Before lockdown I would go out for meals, cinema or days out. People always seem amazed that I’m in a restaurant etc.
To me all lives disabled or not matter.
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Thank you – yes absolutely it’s crazy just how we are seen!
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