do people who are mentally and physically disabled make you uncomfortable or nervous?

Question

I work with the developmentally disabled and I was just wondering what society thinks of these people. Do you embrace them like you would any "normal" person, or do you just try to stay away from them?

I am not by any means implying that these people are not normal. My question is simply do they make you uncomfortable? I see it a lot times when I take them out in the community and I wondering if mainstream society accepted them as they would anyone else.

Answer 1

the only thing that makes me nervous is whether or not i am making someone who has learning difficulties or is disabled as comfortable and as "normal" as possible. Whatever anyone says in these answers, people with disabilities are treated differently in society, not by everyone, but there is still a huge amount of ignorance and judgment by able bodied people. There should not be, as disabled or able bodied, we are all the same, but the divide is there. For years disabled people were kept away from mixing day to day with able bodied people. There were special swimming times alloted for disabled people to swim. Able bodied people were uncomfortable and repulsed by anyone who was disabled, and it is only recently that disabled people have really become accepted and part of everyday life. Just look at how the underground system in London was built, without any thought or consideration for someone in a wheelchair. Only in the last few years have buildings incorporated a wheelchair access, it was viewed that wheelchair bound people would not be going out shopping, travelling etc. There are still many people who will be ignorant and not know how to act around a person with disablities. Your question is valid, its just a shame it has to be asked. The more people with limited ability mix and become a part of everyday life the more general society will not even notice.

Answer 2

I hate to say that once upon a Time, I was uncomfortable around such people. Of course this was in my younger years.

I got a quick lesson on both.

1. My daughter had her leg amputated due to cancer, died 1990
2. Have a nephew whom was born with Autism (age 12).
3. Have a grandson born with Down Syndrome (2 y 10 months)
4. My father is disabled, cant hardly walk
5. 2 months ago, my uncle was clearing off brush and a tree fell on him and broke his back, he is now paralyzed. But is getting some movement back from the knees up.

I have learned a hard lesson. that people are people no matter what. Although I knew that already. I meant that I no longer feel uncomfortable at all.

Hugs......

In addition: MOST people do treat people with disabilities different. Yes, Since my grandson was born. We get rude comments all the time. I do know people don't mean it the way it comes out, but it can be hurtful all the same.

Thanks for asking the question, I think for the ones that have read this question, it could bring awareness to them about people whom have disabilities.

Answer 3

I have been on oxygen for 2 yrs. People stare all the time. Children stare and I just smile at them and they smile back. It's not something you usually see and I would probably act the same way. People always offer to help me when I'm in the grocery store as I have to ride the cart in large stores. I do not need their help, but it is nice that they offer. My eyes have been opened due to my condition and I would embrace them as a normal person- like me- normal but unique.

Answer 4

IMO the teacher who assigned this paper should be reported for being a bigot and extremely ignorant. Why not write a paper on "should blacks have the same rights"" or "should fat people have rights?" or should "blondes have the same rights?' "should women have the same rights?" "people with red hair?" or maybe people with green eyes? etc Physically disabled does not constitute mentally disabled or incapable. This is pure ignorance and it makes me mad as hell to think this moron is "educating" young people. Clearly a person who is severely mentally disabled needs someone to insure they have the same rights and freedoms, and care all people deserve. That does not mean they dont deserve these rights and freedoms. If you dont want to do the paper tell him you cannot in good conscience write a paper based on bigotry, discrimination and ignorance and then take it to a higher level if necessary. I am sure there are physicallyy and intellectually disabled students in your school and this NEEDS to be reported to the administration.This teacher should NOT be teaching.

Answer 5

Excuse me!!!!!!!!!

They, make that WE, are people, first and foremost people. The only disability here is in the person who feels otherwise. Kids always understand when I explain why I use a walker, and in particular they understand when I say that the thing to remember is that this doesn't make me any different on the inside, and that's the only thing that counts.

I've never felt otherwise. I wasn't raised to do so.

Answer 6

I only feel uncomfortable because I try really really hard not to make it look like I am looking at them in a wrong way. I want them to understand that I see them like I see everyone else, and I really do.

Answer 7

Honestly, I sometimes get nervous around them because I never know what to say. It's mostly a feeling of shock and deep sympathy that causes me to get so nervous.. but idk.
I try as best as I can to embrace them because they're people too and I want to make them feel that way.

Answer 8

yes they are normal people. Some times they're better persons than someone "normal". sometimes i do get a little nervous b/c i think I'll insult them or make them feel bad unintentionally.

Answer 9

All I can say, is that I am completely shocked you would ask such a question. They are indeed Normal people

Answer 10

I treat ALL human beings with the dignity and respect due to all human beings. (that's except for my two ex-wives... those two are truly twisted individuals).