Myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities impact all of us. Learning to replace these myths and stereotypes with realities is an important step toward ending discrimination and eliminating barriers that can limit people with disabilities. The message is that it is ability, not disability that counts!

 

MYTH: People with disabilities always need help.

 

REALITY: Many people with disabilities are quite independent and capable of giving help.

 

MYTH: Only people in wheel chairs or who use crutches are disabled.

 

REALITY: People with disabilities are among our friends, family members, co-workers and respected leaders. Just because a disability can't be seen it doesn't mean that a person does not have one or more. One out of every five Americans has a disability. Statistics also show that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities are employed, compared with 81 percent of the non-disabled population (a gap of 49 points). And similar gaps also exist in other major life activities, such as: community, political and religious participation.

 

MYTH: Wheelchair users are paralyzed and, therefore, are confined to their chairs.

 

REALITY: Some people can walk, but their strength may be limited so they use a wheelchair to enable them to travel longer distances. Also, some people who use wheelchairs prefer to transfer to more comfortable chairs such as those at their desk or in a restaurant.