Why do people with disabilities make me uncomfortable?

Many people feel uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities. Much of this discomfort stems from lack of personal contact with people with disabilities, and a sense of awkwardness and uncertainty as to how to speak and act in their presence.

What can you say to a person with disability?

It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues. Ask the people you are with which term they prefer if they have a disability.

Why do people feel uncomfortable talking to disabled people?

According to research by Scope in 2014, “67% of people feel uncomfortable when talking to a disabled person.” This awkwardness often stems from a fear of seeming patronizing or saying the wrong thing, or a lack of life experiences with individuals with disabilities.

Is it OK to say disabled?

It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues. Ask the people you are with which term they prefer if they have a disability.

What is individual Ableism?

Like other “isms”, such as racism and sexism, ableism is discrimination against people with disabilities. Ableism sees non-disabled people as “normal” and places the needs of able- bodied people above the needs of people with disabilities. Examples of individual ableism: • Hate crimes against people with disabilities.