When it comes to a person with a disability, and especially a wheelchair user, what comes to mind? Are they “inspirational”? Are they reliant on a carer or are they independent? Do they need any help? Whether a person in a wheelchair is viewed in a positive or negative way if often a result of common misconceptions and stereotypes, or if they use either a manual or power chair. For example, if someone uses a power chair, do they have an intellectual disability aswell? Or if they use a manual chair, they must have full use of their arm/hands and are just not able to use their legs. If someone has had limited or no exposure to a person with any disability, whether they use a chair for mobility or not, they might have these preconceived ideas.
Below are some common myths that regularly arise in the lives of people with disabilities and
wheelchair users, and the truths behind them:
We don’t have jobs, or if we do, have limited skills
People with any type of disability are often viewed as being unemployed, or if we do happen
to have a job, as having limited skills and suited to only certain types of work e.g. basic
administration, packing etc. This simply is not true, as many people with disabilities have a
wide range of skills, abilities and talents that are often used in a workplace
Our significant other is our carer/support worker, we are the client
This is a common misconception that has come up time and time again, and is also often
offensive. Many people in wheelchairs and other people with disabilities are in meaningful,
happy relationships, so assuming that our partners are our support staff only, can be very
hurtful to the individual. Anyone is capable of being in a loving and meaningful relationship!
If they use a wheelchair, they have an intellectual disability too and need to be treated
differently Again, no one likes to be categorised based on physical capabilities. If we are unable to walk,
or perform other tasks, this does not automatically mean we don’t have intellectual ability.
We like to be treated the same as anyone else.
We are “bound” to our wheelchairs, and are not ambulant
Not every wheelchair user is in their chair full time, nor are we “bound” to our chairs. Whilst
being a part of us, they are separate to us being used as an assistive device and therefore we
can get in and out of our chairs, often without assistance. By the same token, some people
only use their chairs when out and about, as a result of other medical conditions such as
chronic fatigue or only being able to walk short distances.
We are unable to drive, due to not having use of our legs
People are often amazed when I tell them I drive, and own a car. They are intrigued when I
explain that I use hand controls to operate the vehicle instead of foot pedals. Educating
people on driving as a person with a disability is rewarding however, and breaks any pre
conceived ideas they may have of us being “immobile”.
We are “an inspiration”
How would it make you feel if someone called you an inspiration, just for going about your
everyday life, such as getting groceries or the park? This idea that we are amazing, brave or
“inspirational” for simple existing, can be very patronising, even if well intended.
We cannot have children
Sadly, the idea that a person with a disability cannot have children and be a parent like
anyone else is more common than it should be. Just because a person in unable to walk does
not mean they cannot conceive or successfully raise a child. I know many parents who are in
wheelchairs, or have other disabilities, and are the exact same as any able-bodied parent.
We always need help with everything
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been out alone in public, minding my own business
and someone has asked if I need help, sometimes when I’m simply sitting and doing nothing.
I have even encountered the occasional person just come up and start pushing my chair
without asking, which is not only an invasion of personal space, but often seen as rude from
the perception of the person being pushed. Granted, there are definitely times when I do
need help, like reaching a grocery item from a high shelf if out by myself, however these
would be times when I would actively ask for assistance. I understand these offers are well
intended, however rest assured if we required help, we would ask for it.
We still live at home with parents
Again, a common myth that is simply not true. We are not always reliant on our parents for
support and can often support ourselves and live either alone, or with other non-family
members.
If they are in a relationship, their partner also has a disability
No, our partners do not always have a disability as well. Wheelchair users can be in a
relationship with able-bodied people too. It is the same as the assumption that we only have
friends with disabilities as well, which is a misconception I have heard of, though thankfully
never encountered myself. Every type of relationship is different!
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