It always strikes me when people have a question yet hesitate to ask it.

In my opinion, questions are a good thing. They create a better understanding about our world and the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. Still, for some reason, many of us are too afraid to satisfy our curiosity because we don’t want to sound unintelligent or create an awkward situation.

I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation where we think “I should have just kept my thoughts to myself…” Regardless, I think we can all agree that we learn a little something when we decide to speak up.

Throughout the month of October I will be discussing myths that people have about disabilities. My first has to do with curiosity and children but quite honestly it can and should be expanded to everyone, not just children. This week’s myth is: children should never ask people about their disabilities.

It’s quite common for people with disabilities to be out and about and hear parents say “shhhh” or “be quiet” when their children ask them questions about my disability or wheelchair.

Although I realize their intentions are good and a parent’s reactions are caused out of fear of offending someone with a disability, I wish people would just ask. A disability is a part of someone’s life. It’s not something to be ashamed of. Besides, isn’t it better for people to ask questions than wonder or assume?

One of the biggest attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities is assumptions. Most of society is familiar with the image of a person in a wheelchair who is weak and dependent, but they are not familiar with a person who has a disability that is strong, active and functioning member of society.

In order for the image of a person with a disability to change, questions need to be asked. It’s okay to wonder why some of us move around on four wheels and it’s okay to ask how a person with a disability does daily tasks.

Truthfully, most people with disabilities are open about their lifestyle. When questions are asked, it gives those of who have a disability a chance to demonstrate that every disability is different in the same way that every person is different. We all have different strengths and weaknesses so a disability can affect each person in a different way. In the end, however, we have more similarities to person without a disability than differences.

As awkward as it may feel, you should want to know the truth. It is the truth, not assumptions that allow us understand, learn, form our own opinions and relate to those around us. It’s no secret, the more we are aware of our surroundings and our beliefs about disabilities, the more prepared we are to look beyond medical circumstances.

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