Encounters in the Community

Today I breathed a shy of frustration, after years of educational programmes and countless campaigns focussing the abilities of people with disabilities, so many people in the community still hold misconceptions and condescending attitudes concerning those with disabilities. I find it somewhat disappointing at times that community attitudes seem to have taken a back step. Ten years ago people with disabilities were being viewed as belonging in the community, where as through my eyes those with disabilities are viewed as belonging to a distinct sub group of the community, who in the main interact with each other rather within the community as a whole.

In part I can not help feel some of the blame lies in a shift in government policy for current community attitudes, as restrictions in funding to the disability sector at large. There has been a notable swing away from providing individual client services back towards group activities and centred base care. Therefore, once again people are becoming accustomed to seeing people with disabilities accessing the community in groups i.e. 'group outings'.  It is increasingly my observation that people assume if people with disabilities are out with someone in the community it is with a carer or family member.

I feel uneasy when a friend is referred to by a member of the community as my carer, mother or sister. I can't help ponder why these conclusions are drawn. On one hand I know incorrect assumptions are made about the relationship between people and sometimes people assume others friends are their mothers. But to be asked if your a relative and when you answer 'no'! and then to be asked if you're a carer. Isn't quiet the same thing.

This was the situation I faced when I had coffee with my friend Sue this week. A lady asked her if her daughter would like some chips they could not eat. I felt like sliding under the table as there is only an eleven year age gap between us. I think despite us both having a smirk on our face, we shifted in our seats. Sue explained that she not my mother and asked if I would like the chips. I said no.
The lady then asked my friend if she was my carer. This time our reaction was Errrh! Why does everybody ask that when we're together. My friend then explained we were friends. I am not sure my friend has gotten used to being referred to as my carer? I made some smart remark on the way the car. 'Sue, people with disabilities don't have friends. . . Well unless their friends have disabilities too.'

It is on this premises I draw my feelings on the attitudes on the encounters I have in the community.

Disclaimer: The opinions I express are independent of any organisation that supports me or organisations I volunteer for, which may be listed in my links below.