UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY
Disability is perhaps one of the most misunderstood ideas in many societies. And this has important implications not only for how people with disability (PwD) are treated but also how people think about themselves in relation to the idea and the experience of disability.
Globally, about 15% of the world population has some form of disability thus making people with disabilities to be the largest minority group in the world, according to the World Health Organisation.
What does it mean to have a disability? What types of disabilities are there? Are people with disability different? Is disability a fixed status?How to relate with PwD? These and more are questions that many people in society continue to grapple with.
Disability and diagnosis of disability are not static in time.
Five common myths about PwD
1.) People with disabilities always need help.
2.) Assistive technology doesn't work
3.) People with disability can't or don't want to be in a relationship
4.) Only those with mobility disorder can have a blue badge
5.) You can't say 'disabled' without offending someone
3
Some people end up with disability due to events and circumstances. Some disabilities are hereditary. Some disabilities have become associated with aging. Some are hereditary but have a delayed onset.