The Wrong Message
Be The Change For Disability Awareness
Reinforced Stereotypes
The purpose of this flyer is to summarize the article presented from Ragged Edge Online titled Awareness Days. When people put themselves in the shoes of a disabled person they develop negative stereotypes about those with a disability. By having awareness days that require people to experience a so called disability only strengthens those negative stereotypes. Due to the fact that simulations are not a permanent disability it provides a false sense of what life is like with a disability as well as develops false beliefs about how it feels living with a disability. It is up to the way in which we educate and strengthen awareness that will further the cause of disability awareness, but have disability simulations is not the way to do it.
How Does This Make You Feel
Does reading this sign make you feel like it would be bad and sad and tough if this were the case any time you read? Do you empathize and feel poorly for someone who may have this condition? If you initially feel these negative emotions then you likely are missing out on the good that can come from a situation like this and likely making biased assumptions about people with a similar condition.
Outcome Of Disability Awareness Simulations
The author of the article states that when she discovered that these simulations perpetuate the negative stereotypes was when she used to help put them on. When those who did the simulation began to show her pity and feelings of superiority because they were not disabled she decided there had to be better ways of spreading awareness.
So Disabled Is Different?
As presented in the article it can be challenging to pass along awareness and develop positive outcomes. The image posted here suggests that awareness is being spread regarding disability. Now while this holds some truth, it also leads to negative responses. For example someone may say when reading this, "disabled people are so different from us they have a whole month dedicated to them". This is not a response that is being looked for, disabled people are no different than anyone else therefore disability awareness should take place everyday.
Right Intentions, Wrong Methods
Although disability awareness simulations are done with good intentions they tend to lead to negative consequences. This is unfortunate because people are trying to do what is right and spread awareness. They are trying to spread awareness however to show that disabled doesn't mean unable, being disabled is just another way of life in this diverse world and it shouldn't stand as a hindering vice on who people truly are. To accomplish the goals of creating awareness and spreading positive aspects of disabled people it is time to rid the use of disability simulations.