In Guyana, there is no argument that most of our society caters mainly to one archetype of a person; i.e. a person with full control over their mental and physical faculties. Whilst a fairly obvious example would be the presence (or rather lack thereof) of wheelchair ramps in prominent buildings, this problem runs deeper than just simple infrastructure.
Of course our buildings could be more considerate to people who are disabled, but what about ourselves? In Guyana, and perhaps around the world, the mindset is that if you are disabled you are pitiable, and sometimes, perhaps unknowingly, we can treat persons who are disabled as less than human. It is not our intention to undermine their autonomy, but for example if we address a family member instead of the person directly, even though they can answer for themselves, this is what we accomplish. If we, as strangers, ask incredibly personal and invasive questions (all pertaining to the person’s disability) at a first encounter, we are unknowingly reducing an individual to one specific aspect about himself or herself—as though they are nothing else. Although a major disability undoubtedly plays a central role in that person’s life, it is not their entire identity. Also, we shouldn’t assume that people who are disabled wish that they were like us. For some people, their disability has given them a unique perspective through which to experience the world, and in some cases, even believe themselves to be part of a unique culture.
There is no right way to deal with all people with disabilities. Everyone is different, and what might be taken as a joke by one person might offend another, and individuals will have preferences about the words used to describe them and their disabilities. Of course, you could always look up polite terminology and behaviour to determine how to come off as least offensive as possible, but definitely the best thing to do is to treat the person as an individual and engage him or her so as to figure out what words and actions he or she comfortable with.
One thing, though that we should be able to universally agree upon is that disabilities should not be used as punch lines, made light of, or construed into insults. To claim that you’re mentally incapacitated because you forgot your keys at home, or let your tea get cold can be a slap in the face to someone who is genuinely mentally incapacitated. You are reducing the mental struggle that they face everyday, and jokingly asserting that you understand what its like to be in their place, when you really don’t. A little thought goes a long way. Most of us don’t intentionally mean to disparage someone else, but our actions can be thoughtless and inconsiderate. I urge you, the next time you meet someone with a disability to be conscious of your behaviours.
