Breaking Down Myths
Over the years, we’ve begun to challenge the deeply ingrained cultural myths about disability, striving to replace them with a perspective of respect, dignity, and inclusion. We need a powerful examination of the way society views and interacts with people with disabilities, urging us to confront our biases and engage more authentically.
There are widespread misconceptions that have led to discrimination against people with disabilities that still exist today. Historical and contemporary attitudes should be put under the microscope, revealing the shockingly inhumane practices of the past and the subtle, yet persistent challenges that persist today. This poignant discussion emphasizes the need to look to scripture for guidance on recognizing the inherent value and purpose of every individual.
My generation and the generations before grew up in a world where disability was hidden due to shame. I am reminded of episodes of Call the Midwife where a baby who was born with disfigured limbs was placed by a cold window to die because that was somehow considered more humane than letting the child live with the disfigurement. In the show, it highlighted the difficulties of the parents and the stigma that followed them. The emotional impact on the family and the lack of resources further added to the strain.
I consider this, the very real depiction of Call the Midwife, against the experience of my children. Although it is not everyone’s experience, my kids grew up with a mom who worked at a day program for people with disabilities. From the time they were infants, they visited and met the people I worked with. Those people were in our homes and a part of our family. Then, as we went on to serve as missionaries, disability became a normal part of our life. The stigma and perceptions are so very different for my children than they were for me. Kids today go to school with those with disabilities. We have campaigns that celebrate abilities and the uniqueness of people. However, we are still impacted by stigmas. Perceptions and misunderstandings live on. They may be different from our experiences as children, but without intentional approaches to dispel the misunderstandings, they stay.
One misconception is the treatment of adults with disabilities as adults. Rather than perpetuating the myth that they are childlike. The intellectual levels of individuals with disabilities are not at their typical age, but that does not give anyone the right to treat them as children. At all times we must uphold the dignity of the people we interact with. We should not look upon them as less than!
Another misunderstanding is that people with disabilities must need medical advice. If your information was not asked for, it likely isn’t needed. Think about this: you meet someone for the first time. They see a cut on your leg and detail all the ways you should be caring for it, along it medicine recommendations. That sounds a bit much, yet people with autism are approached and told about their eating habits and how that is likely to impact their autism. People with ADHD are told about the natural remedies they should be trying to rid them of their ADHD. This list could go on! The best rule of thumb, if it wasn’t asked for we probably shouldn’t give unsolicited advice.
The transformation from sympathy to compassion in disability ministry makes all the difference. This conversation challenges listeners to not just feel sorry for individuals with disabilities but to walk alongside them, fostering an environment where everyone is an integral part of the community. This shift is essential for creating a more inclusive church where the unique contributions of all individuals are recognized and celebrated.
If we continue towards ongoing learning and growth in the ministry for individuals with disabilities we approach the opportunity to join in creating a world that views disability through a lens of respect and possibility, where the contributions of people with disabilities are acknowledged and appreciated.
Become a part of a change that honors the lives of people with disabilities, not through empty gestures, but through genuine, compassionate engagement. We are reminded of the power of community and the beauty of recognizing the worth of every person's story. It's time to dismantle the outdated and harmful disability myths and build a community that values all its members equally. Let's embrace this message and work together to create a world where every person, regardless of their abilities, is indispensable.
