In a society like ours, where culture and religion dictate our relationship with others and how we should perceive them, there are numerous myths and misconceptions about disabilities and people with ‘para-ability’. These myths are often degrading. However, it stems from a place of ignorance.
Here are some misconceptions about disabilities that you need to remove from your dictionary.
- Disabilities are punishments from God
As opposed to the general idea by Nigerians that people with disabilities committed a grave sin in their past life and as such, are being punished for their iniquities, having a disability is not the work of karma. It is not retribution dawned on them by God. Many people also believe that it is punishment for the crimes of a person’s mother or forefathers. This is for a fact, a myth. There are different reasons why people become disabled. It could be from birth or an accident, but as a punishment for sin? Nah!
- People with disabilities are cursed
Many people believe disabilities are part of the doings and evil of witchcraft. A child born with a physical disability is automatically assumed to have been cursed by witches or some form of occultic power. To others, the presence of a person with a disability is a curse, and as such, when anything goes wrong, they are blamed for it and ostracised. You need to understand that this is a myth. People with disabilities are not the cause of that unfortunate incident that you may or may not have indirectly caused for yourself, and they certainly are not cursed by juju.
- People who are hard of hearing can’t speak
Think it through – People who are deaf only have the problem of hearing; there is nothing wrong with their vocal cords. They can speak but they just choose not to speak because people will be prompted to speak back, but they are hard of hearing which makes it impossible. So next time you see a person who is hard of hearing, don’t go believing that they are mute too.
- People with disabilities can’t be in intimate relationships
‘Who will love him/her?’ The question that plagues the minds of some non-disabled persons when they sight persons with disabilities. Frankly, it shouldn’t be of concern to anyone because people with disabilities are as human as non-disabled people. They have feelings and can fall in love. In fact, they can be romantically involved with whoever they want and have sex as any other person would. Remember, they are not any different from you.
- Intimate acts with persons with disabilities will bring fortune
This orthodox way of thinking is what is responsible for the assault of persons with disabilities. Some Nigerians believe that having sex with people with disabilities will give them riches and long life. Believing this and pursuing their narcissism, they find people with disabilities and take advantage of them – and they expect a long life. The first man to discover this might have gotten his riches by pure coincidence, but sleeping with persons with disabilities for riches and long life? Myth!
- That every disability is defined by a wheelchair
To some Nigerians, if you are not in a wheelchair or you don’t have difficulty walking, you are not a person with a disability. To them, every disability looks alike. Contrary to that opinion, not all disabilities are physical or can be seen. Some people are dyslexic, schizophrenic, or autistic. Some disabilities are hidden or less visible, so if you think that having a wheelchair is the only definition of a person with a disability, know that it is a myth and it is time for some education on your path.
- They can’t take care of themselves
They may be persons with disabilities, but that doesn’t mean that they are incapable of taking care of themselves. People assume that because they have difficulty in some areas, they automatically have difficulty in every area of their lives. This is not true. They do not always need help, except when they are kids. Adults with disabilities are still adults. They can take care of themselves and make decisions about their lives.
These misconceptions about people with disabilities are what cause them to be ostracised from society and constantly discriminated against. Now that you know that these myths are nothing but myths, it is time for your thoughts about people with disabilities to change.
Never forget that they are living and breathing just like the rest of us. Every man, woman and child with disabilities deserves to be treated as nothing less than what they are, people.
