Understanding DisABILITIES

The ways in which people and groups with different disABILITIES are portrayed in popular media can have a profound effect on how they are viewed by society at large. The term disability is not a universal concept throughout cultures. Here are a few ways to celebrate diversity by appreciating the variety of abilities people have.

1. Find commonalities before thinking about differences.

2. Do not victimize people with disabilities (use person-first language )

3. Don't assume people see their disability as a tragedy or assume they are "so brave" (that sounds like a line, not a genuine expression of emotion).

4. Adjust posture to be eye-level

5. Make eye contact; never avoid someone with a disability. The Western culture leads many to believe it is best to speak with the caregiver first resulting in ignoring/assuming the capacity of a person with different abilities is acceptable it is NOT.

Resources for People of Color with different abilities:

https://differentandable.org/resources/resources-people-color-disabilities-and-differences