What assumptions do able-bodied people make about people with disabilities?

Question

What assumptions do able-bodied people make about people with disabilities?

Answer 1

We seem to assume that if you have one disabilty you have them all. I've seen people shouting at blind people and speaking very slowly because a person uses a wheelchair. They also assume that all disabilities are obvious to the naked eye. A former partner of mine got many nasty looks for parking in the handicapped space from people who didn't realize that her backpack was an oxygen tank.

Answer 2

I don't think they make any assumptions but alot of times they are intimidated by them or do not know how to treat them. I do not want to seem like I am treating them differently because they have a disability, but on the other hand I do want to help them more than an able bodied person, so sometimes that can led t awkwardness.



I want to know if they want "extra" help or attention, I guess it depends on the person.

Answer 3

Hearing people tend to treat deaf people as if they are dumb and can't understand things. My sister n law is deaf and people treat her so bad. Once she tells them she is deaf and to please look at her when they speaks so she can lip read they become rude and have no time to talk to her anymore. It makes me angry. Most of the time people say your not deaf because you can speak. HELLO a lot of deaf people can speak, because not everyone that is deaf is born deaf. If you lose your hearing after you have learned speech you can normally talk, you sound different but you can speak. It really makes me want to hit people because they are so rude. LISTEN UP WORLD more than 20% of the population is deaf or hearing impaired. So it wouldn't hurt to know a little sign language.



Lets face facts if you have a disability people don't have time for you. If you are not picture perfect you are nothing in this world. It's a shame, but it is the truth. The world needs to learn patience and acceptance. I have several friends and family members with disabilities in my life and they have made me a better person.

Answer 4

I'm a very curious person, and I find people with disabilities very interesting. I want to know their story, as well as to get to know them as a person, what life is like for them, etc. I hardly ever try to make friends with able-minded disabled people, though, unless they are really outgoing, because I'm afraid that I will offend them with my curiosity.



I guess that means that I assume that they will be offended by my curiosity.



I would like to know whether or not this is the case, if anyone here has a disability, please feel free to email me and let me know what you think/feel about this.

Answer 5

THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR... AND WE HAVE TO SHOUT... or worse, be talked about as if they are not even in the room. I do not know why... but I have seen it over and over. Also, that they want to be ignored - another untrue assumption!!

Answer 6

I never made any assumptions about them. I treat them like everyone else.

Answer 7

that they always get the best car parks

Answer 8

That they are stupid or that they faking it (for parking, amusment park lines, ect.)