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Perceptions, prejudices, and attitudinal barriers are the first and most formidable barriers that persons with disabilities face when attempting to participate fully in society.
Historically, people with disabilities have been stereotyped in many different ways. Some of the stereotypes used to label people with disabilities persist in the mind of the public today. Incomplete information, mistaken perceptions, isolation and segregation have perpetuated many of these stereotypes. Viewing a person with a disability or groups of persons with disabilities according to stereotypes limits what we expect of them and how we respond to them.
Fortunately, the negative stereotypes and attitudinal barriers are being replaced by a more positive view of people with disabilities as individuals, entitled to full protection, rights, and privileges under the law. They are also entitled to the same services, opportunities, and benefits afforded other persons.
Click below to order disability posters that spread messages of inlusion.
Stereotypes
menace to society |
Between 1870 and 1925, persons with disabilities were chiefly seen as contributing to the decline of civilization. People with mental retardation in particular were viewed as threats to society. This view led to segregation, imprisonment, persecution, and dehumanization of thousands of people. Placement in large custodial settings, or "asylums" as they were called then, was common. Sterilization was widely used as a means of preventing people with mental retardation from reproducing. |
inferior |
Some people believe that a person with a disability is a "second-class citizen" not entitled to the same rights and privileges as a person without a disability. |
incapable |
A person with a disability is often considered incapable of accomplishing a task without given an opportunity to display his/her skills. |
hero; special |
Some people consider someone with a disability who lives independently and/or is employed as brave or special for overcoming their disability. |
object of ridicule |
The appearance of a person with a disability in "freak shows" and circuses illustrates this point. Historical novels sometimes depict people with disabilities as fools, court jesters, and clowns. |
object of pity or charity |
People feel sorry for a person with a disability which can lead to patronizing attitudes. Until recently, services ranging from education to clothing were given to people with disabilities out of pity or a sense of charity. It was not uncommon for people with disabilities to have to beg for survival. A person with a disability was not expected to work or live independently. |
eternal child |
The most common present misconception of people who have mental retardation and persons with many other types of disabilities is that they are children forever. The tendency is to expect them to behave like children. |
sick |
Still common today, is the view of a person with a disability as sick-- often mentally ill. This has led to an emphasis on medical treatment in hospital settings. Although it is unrealistic to expect most disabilities to be totally overcome or cured, some disabilities such as epilepsy can be treated or controlled by drugs. All people with disabilities can be helped through the delivery of better services and more opportunities to assist them in becoming as independent as possible. |
subhuman |
This view is still encountered today, particularly where people with severe disabilities are concerned. Such persons are often referred to as "animals" or "vegetables." |
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Attitudes
| FEAR |
Many people fear they will say or do the wrong thing and, therefore, avoid people with disabilities. |
| BACKLASH |
People believe that individuals with disabilities are given unfair advantages. |
| DENIAL |
"Hidden" disabilities are not "real" disabilities that require accommodation. |
| SPREAD EFFECT |
People assume that a person with a disability is totally impaired. For example, people may talk loudly to a person who is blind. |
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Myths about Job Corps Students with Disabilities
Replacing myths, like those below, with a more positive view of students with disabilities on Job Corps centers takes time, patience, and understanding. Positive staff attitudes and the presence of students with disabilities on center participating in the program to the same level as their peers should help the process.
Students with disabilities cannot be taught a vocation—especially something that requires a skill |
This is not true. Each student with a disability is an individual with certain abilities. The focus should be on what the individual can do, not limited by what he/she cannot. For instance, a student with a cognitive disability may have weaknesses in traditional academic areas, but do well in other areas. For example, this student may do well in carpentry, but have trouble reading. The key is to provide the student with the training he/she needs to match both their abilities and interests. |
Students with disabilities cannot make academic gains |
With reasonable accommodation, the student may make academic gains in language or math. |
All students with disabilities have low mental abilities |
Becoming disabled due to an accident or the loss of hearing, speech, or limbs does not mean the loss of mental ability. |
Students with disabilities will miss a lot of time from class |
This is not true. With the proper medications, treatment, and/or counseling, most students with disabilities will miss no more, and often less time than students without disabilities. |
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