Attitudinal Barriers
about People with Disabilities
Inferiority Belief that the individual is a “second class
citizen” because of his or her disability.
Fear Worry that one will do or say the wrong thing around
someone with a disability. Avoiding people with disabilities.
Hero Worship Considering someone with a disability who
lives independently or accomplishes a certain task to be
brave or “special”, even if it is a daily task.
Ignorance Assuming people with disabilities are incapable
of tasks without giving them a chance to display their skills or
try.
The Spread Effect Belief that a person’s disability
negatively affects other senses, abilities, personality traits, or
that the total person is impaired.
Stereotypes The positive and negative generalizations that
people form about people with disabilities.
Backlash Belief that people with disabilities are given unfair
advantages, such as easier work requirements or behavioral
standards.
Denial Belief that a “hidden” disability, such as learning or
psychiatric disabilities, is not legitimate and does not need
accommodations.
Menaces People with disabilities are dangerous or
inconvenient and not people to have around.
Objects of Pity The belief that people with disabilities
deserve pity or sympathy because of the ‘misfortune’ of their
disability. Patronizing or feeling sorry for the person with a
disability.
Sickness Individuals with disabilities are all ill in some way.
Burdens of Charity People with disabilities are a drag on
resources and completely dependent on others.
Objects of Ridicule The attitude that people with disabilities
are freaks, weirdo, geeks, “retards”, or people to make fun of
because of how they look, act, speak, eat, walk, etc.
Eternal Children The belief that someone with a disability
will never be able to grow and develop into an adult, both
mentally and/or physically.
Holy Innocents People with disabilities shouldn’t be held
accountable for their actions or choices because they just
don’t know any better. For example, that all people with
Down syndrome are sweet natured and innocent.
Invisible Attitude that you can “talk over” or ignore the
person with a disability – they are not really able to
participate anyway.
No Choice People with disabilities need to have other
people make their decisions for them.
Segregation Belief that people with disabilities should be
segregated or separated from the rest of society.
Tips for Overcoming Attitudinal Barriers:
Avoid making assumptions about what a person can or
cannot do OR what he or she would or would not like to do.
Ask the person.
When speaking with a person with a disability, talk directly to
that person, not through his or her companion or parent.
Extend common courtesies to people with disabilities as you
would anyone else. Do not be ashamed of your attempt, in
most cases the person will tell you if they are unable to
shake your hand, etc.
If a person has a speech impairment and you are having
trouble understanding what he or she is saying, ask the
person to repeat rather than pretend you understand. This is
more respectful and leads to accurate communication. Also,
if appropriate, you can ask the person to show you or
communicate his or her message in a different way (i.e.,
write it down, draw a picture, etc.).
Offer assistance to a person with a disability, but wait until
your offer is accepted before you help. It is okay to feel
nervous or uncomfortable around people with disabilities and
its okay to admit that. It is human to feel that way at first.
When you encounter these situations, think “person first”
instead of disability.
Recognize your own attitudinal barriers in order to help
others with theirs.
