originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:33 PM

@Myvo that I can understand, I would actually prefer that as well because by saying disability it sort of groups individuals together as the same. Almost very dismissive of individuality.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:27 PM

I think for any person the most comfortable situation would be to feel 'normal' or as if they 'belong' to the crowd. For that reason I would say maybe they'd prefer nothing ? and just to be treated with the same level of welcomeness (if that's a word).

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:19 PM

Someone who was very close to me with a disability has to be my grandmother.
She was diagnosed with dementia in her late 60's and passed away just last year.
It had both negative and positive effects to it. I guess just appreciating and realising how important our memory is and unfortunately seeing her struggle with every day simple tasks and knowing she's going to forget who I am 5 minutes into the conversation was heart breaking.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:22 PM

@sunflowers5 i'm so sorry to hear that. 

 

I can only imagine how heart breaking that must have been. 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:21 PM

I am sorry for your loss @sunflowers5 it must have been extremely difficult seeing her struggle.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:17 PM

Do you or someone you know have a disability?

I used to know this guy from church who was in a wheelchair, he was so awesome and so full of life. He always used to talk openly about the struggles he had and how it made him stronger. Other than that I don't have anyone close to me with disabilities.  

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:21 PM

@ruenhonx how awesome is that. 

 

I think that's a great example of how people with disabilities can overcome barriers and remain strong through tough times. 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:24 PM

Remember that some mental illness can be a disability too... Like anxiety and mood disorders...

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:31 PM

@radio_RO I've heard of that too! At uni, if you're struggling with mental illness and/or mental health issues, they'll usually register you as a student with a disability. 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:28 PM

Never thought of that as a disability @radio_RO can you explain that to me a bit more?

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:35 PM

---

@ruenhonx wrote:
Never thought of that as a disability @radio_RO can you explain that to me a bit more?

Well mental illness that has ongoing effects that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities fits the definition of disability. DIfferent to a temporary mental health problem/s that may be experienced following a stressful life event....  An example of how this works in practice, is that you may be eligible for the disability pension depending on your mental illness.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:40 PM

@radio_RO  wow! I had honestly never thought of that until you just mentioned it. That's a really good point because it stresses on the little significance we give to those struggling mentally. 

But then I think that may be because as individuals we find it harder to believe things when we can't see it. Which is really disappointing. I wonder how we can get around this, and provide more support for those delaing with mental issues. 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:38 PM

I think one of the biggest is that People with disabilities aren't interested in/cannot have sex which has huge impacts on peoples wellbeing over their lifetime.

 

Here's a mythbuster I got from http://www.yapa.org.au/openingdoors/disabilities/common_myths.php

"Adolescence is a time when young people develop an interest in sex and become more aware of their sexuality. This is normal for all young people, including young people with a disability. Many people (and some parents) treat young people with a disability like children, and are shocked when they are interested in or have a girlfriend or boyfriend. There is no reason why having a disability means that someone does not have an interest in relationships or sex!"

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:44 PM

that's a massive one @radio_RO 

 

I think that stigma plays a big role here too. It's a shame that this is the case and I think more education and awareness regarding disabilities could help here.

 

Okay next question guys!

 

4. How can we combat these stereotypes in our everyday lives?

I think that everyone can contribute to tackling these stereotypes, and sometimes it's the small things that make a big difference! An example could be speaking up when negative words or phrases are used about disability.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:52 PM

@benjamin_ That's a good one! I think speaking up in day to day conversations and really making people aware can spread the word and have a huge impact!

Something else would involve Respect. Once we stop discriminating others based on whatever differences they have (in this case their disability) and respect that everyone is different.. it can really help those with a disability to feel more comfortable and confident!

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:54 PM

definitely @sunflowers5 

 

Respect is huge. We need to respect that everybody has different abilities and there's nothing wrong with that at all! 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 8:55 PM

We are half way there guys. This is some really quality conversation tonight 🙂 

Can you think of some challenges that people with disabilities overcome?

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:07 PM

Can you think of some challenges that people with disabilities overcome?

The challenge of worrying about what others think. My friend learned to be honest and upfront about her disability, even towards people who didn't know her well without fearing that they would think of her differently.

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:12 PM

What are 3 important things you can think of that we as a society need to do to make our communities more inclusive?

 

1. Understanding the need for accessible parking and leaving it for those who need it
2. Speaking up when negative words or phrases are used about disability
3. Accepting people with disabilities as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:17 PM

@ruenhonx I agree that we need to speak up. I think we can all really help by being more aware of when these negative words or phrases are used and letting people know that it isn't okay. 

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:21 PM

I found this!
Things everyone can do to help eliminate the barriers confronting people with disabilities:
Everyone can contribute to change. You can help remove barriers by:
Understanding the need for accessible parking and leaving it for those who need it
Encouraging participation of people with disabilities in community activities by using accessible meeting and event sites
Understanding children's curiosity about disabilities and people who have them
Advocating a barrier-free environment
Speaking up when negative words or phrases are used about disability
Writing producers and editors a note of support when they portray someone with a disability as a "regular person" in the media
Accepting people with disabilities as individuals capable of the same needs and feelings as yourself, and hiring qualified disabled persons whenever possible

http://eastersealscfc.tumblr.com/post/77707689184/myths-and-facts-about-people-with-disabilities

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:23 PM

Also the "social model" approach to disability sees the ‘problem’ as society’s barriers, rather than a person’s condition. It asks instead: what are the ways that we can look beyond the individual person’s disability and instead to the relevant factors that affect their ability of every person to be a full and equal participant in society.

More info: http://www.pwd.org.au/student-section/the-social-model-of-disability.html

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:27 PM

Role models are important! I think in terms of physical disabilities, Adam Hills does a good job.

I also like Stella Young who is really brilliant http://stellayoung.com/

originally posted on 01-12-2014 9:11 PM

that's definitely a tough one to deal with @Student94 

we are all social beings and do care what others think. It's great to hear that your friend was able to handle it in that way.

 

Next question guys!

 

6. What are 3 important things you can think of that we as a society need to do to make our communities more inclusive?

As @Myvo mentioned earlier, organisations making it easier for people with disabilities to gain employment would go a long way. In addition, simple things like raising awareness about disabilities and people who have them in schools, and encouraging participation of people with disabilities in community activities by using accessible meeting and event sites.