A Guide for Faculty, Staff, Relatives, Friends and Roommates

There are a number of students with invisible and visible disabilities attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. As more young adults with disabilities receive adequate secondary school education, more students will be pursuing higher education. Some of the major obstacles these students encounter are myths and stereotypical attitudes related to their disability. The following are common myths held by society about people with disabilities:

a.       All people with disabilities are handicapped and/or crippled.

b.      People with disabilities are physically unhealthy, dependent and lonely.

c.       People with disabilities lead totally different lives than others do.

d.      Disability is a constantly frustrating tragedy. People with disabilities are brave and inspirational by being able to overcome their handicaps.

e.       One can tell by looking at another person whether or not that person has a disability.

These attitudes may arise from fear, a simple lack of understanding of disabilities or from inexperience in being with others with a disability. By presenting accurate information, the hope is we will overcome fears, and increase awareness and understanding of issues related to people with disabilities. If you would like more information about specific disabilities, you are encouraged to contact the Student Development Center. The following are suggestions to help you as you begin to interact with students who have been diagnosed with disabilities:

1.      Remember that a student who has a disability is first and foremost a person. The student is like everyone else, except for the limitation(s) imposed by his or her disability. Any of us could become disabled at any time.

2.      Speak directly to the individual with the disability. Do not let a companion be a go-between for conversation.

3.      Offer assistance if asked or if the need seems obvious, try not to overdo it. Respect the person’s right to indicate the kind of help that is needed as you might do for any other person. For example, if a person is struggling to open a door you might offer to open the door.

4.      Be aware that individuals with disabilities vary in lifestyles, activities, and personality characteristics as do non-disabled individuals.

5.      Appreciate what the student can do. Remember that the difficulties he or she may be facing could stem more from society’s attitudes and barriers than from a disability.

6.      Be considerate of the extra time it might take for this person to get things done. Let him or her set the pace in walking or talking.

7.      Keep in mind that people with disabilities differ in how they are affected by their disability and how they react to having a disability. Individuals who may share the same diagnosis with another are individuals and may address his or her diagnosis differently.

8.      Relax. If you do not know what to say or do, allow the person who has the disability to help put you at ease.

9.      Keep in mind that your attitude toward the student and his or her disability has the potential of being more handicapping to the individual than the disability itself.

10.     Some disabilities are more apparent than others. Some students are very open about how their disability impacts their lives while others are more subdued. Asking a question, such as, “How may I best help you learn the subjects mentioned and be a success?” may invite the student to discuss his or her particular situation.

Last updated Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:06 AM