Why are Disabled People Looked Down Upon by Society?

Disabled people face stigma and discrimination in many areas of life. This is unfair and stems from lack of understanding.

As human beings, we all deserve respect and equality. Disabilities do not define a person or their value. However, societal attitudes often cause disabled people to be seen as "less than" non-disabled people.

Several factors contribute to these harmful attitudes:

• Fear and discomfort with difference - Historically, people with disabilities were shunned, hidden away or institutionalized. While this has improved, discomfort and uncertainty about interacting with disabled people persists.
• Assumptions about quality of life - Many non-disabled people assume those with disabilities are suffering or have a poor quality of life. In fact, disability does not preclude happiness. With proper supports, disabled people have fulfilling lives.
• Belief in an able-bodied norm - Our society upholds able-bodiedness as the ideal. This leads to the view that disabled bodies are defective or abnormal. But human diversity includes disability, and equating "normal" with non-disabled is misguided.
• Lack of accessibility - When public spaces and systems are not accessible to those with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities, it perpetuates the idea that disabled people cannot fully participate in society. Increased accessibility would demonstrate inclusion.
• Stigma around mental illness - Mental health conditions are often misunderstood and feared. Outdated views of mental illness as shameful or something to hide continue, even as these disabilities become more widely discussed.

True inclusion and equality means recognizing our shared humanity. Disability is a natural part of human diversity. Non-disabled people must examine their prejudices, advocate for accessibility and get to know the disabled community. With open minds and hearts, we can build a society that values each person.