I have been overwhelmed by the amount of activism online at the moment, especially regarding Black Lives Matters. If you'd like to see my post on this, please visit my instagram where I have uploaded a dedicated video. It's also really made me think about my own campaigning and how I would like to use my socials to promote change. So, I'm hoping to try upload some slightly different content in the hope to help guide others, from the little bubble in my home.
Disabled people have to deal with prejudice on a daily basis and I don't think this is something you can fully understand unless you care full time for someone with a disability or you are disabled yourself. I wanted to share 5 of the top comments I get, why they aren't useful and what you should do instead. Sometimes, people don't realise what they're saying is offensive to us, so I think it's important to educate.
"What is wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with you?" or "What happened to you?" are questions disabled people are faced with on a daily basis. They imply having a disability is not normal. What you should say is something like "Would you mind telling me a bit about your condition?"
"Can I have a go?"
Our disability equipment is our lifeline and not a toy. No, you can't race my scooter up the corridor nor can you borrow my crutches to get you priority queueing at Alton Towers. Equally, sitting on my aids or moving them without my permission is a no.
"Have you tried..."
Unless you are a qualified medical professional, and I request information, please do not give me medical advice. Your google search about how some herbal tea and yoga is going to cure me isn't useful and spreads misinformation to others about my condition.
"You don't look disabled"
Disabled - having a physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses or activities. Many disabilities are invisible and fluctuate. Disabled doesn't have a 'look' and by implying this, you are insulting all of us.
"I've seen you walk"
People have to use wheelchair for many reasons, including fatigue, dizziness and injury-prone joints. Ambulatory wheelchair users (people who can walk in some circumstances) are not faking their condition. They may have to use their mobility aids on different days.
Are you disabled and have received any of these comments? Do you have any more to add to the list?
Kate x
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