Presented by COMAAT Changing One Mind At A Time

Presented byCOMAAT

Changing One Mind At A Time

The Normalcy Myth

INTRODUCTION

We are going to talk about different kinds of stereotypes and myths surrounding people with disabilities and how to disempower these invalid attitudes and beliefs and, get to know an individual for their talents and contributions.

ASSUMPTIONS

Everyone makes assumptions to try to deal with the unknown.

However, past experience and what we’ve been taught can warp the assumptions we make.

It is important to keep assumptions in check, and realize what are the assumptions and what are the facts.

Why did you make the associations you did?

Did you make your associations with the disability symbol based on personal experience or what you have heard?

WHEN YOU SAW THE NBA LOGO, DID YOU THINK ABOUT HIM?

UglyCrippled

Helpless

Handicapped

StupidCrazySenile

Needy

SlowCreepy

DISABILITY IS DIVERSITYThe disability community has a long history as a black sheep in society.  The problem is mainstream society viewing disability as abnormal, which is a myth.

Disability is on the spectrum of human diversity

Disability is NOT an illness. 

Disability is the characteristics of a person’s capabilities.  There is no need to cure a disability. 

DISABILITY IS DIVERSITY

STEREOTYPES AND STIGMAStereotypes are judgments based solely on someone’s background, behavior and appearance, before getting to know the person.  Stigma is a feeling centered on the fear of the unknown, based on stereotypes and reinforced by society.  People empower stereotypes based on isolated incidents with individuals.

1) Think of a person in your life who has a disability. Now think about when you first met them.

What were your assumptions? Did your assumptions help prepare you to interact with the individual or, did they interfere with getting to know them?

QUESTIONS

2) What kind of stereotypes and stigma do you face in your life?

QUESTIONS

Have a group discussion to talk about a moment in your life when you faced discrimination, stereotyping, or prejudice. 1) How were you feeling, and why were you feeling that way?  2) Did you make any assumption in the situation, if so what were they? 3) What advice can you give about helping people overcome myths?

SMALL-GROUP EXERCISE

COMAATCHANGING ONE MIND AT A TIME

Join with me on my journey to paving

a new road to inclusion for all…Thank you!

COMAAT is at your service!

Jennifer Walsh(650)488-0259

www.comaat.biz Email:

[email protected]

How did disability become stigmatized?

COMMON ASSUMPTIONS• People assume that they can’t understand

me, so they don’t try.

• They assume they can’t talk to me when my attendant is not around, which is really annoying.

• They assume it takes me too much energy to talk, so if they don’t understand me the first time, they give up and just agree with whatever I am saying.

COMMON ASSUMPTIONS• Since my attendant repeats what I say to

them, they assume my attendant has to repeat what they are saying, back to me.

• Also, they assume it’s just too hard to talk because my body is making all these movements.

Everybody can communicate with each other, you just have to find a common

means to get the message across.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION• Interpersonal communication has nothing

to do with one’s IQ

• Have confidence in both yours and Mia’s abilities to communicate with each other.

Everybody can communicate with each other, you just have to find a common

means to get the message across.