Celebration of World Disabled Day – December 3rd

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Dispelling Disabling Myths and Assumptions
People with disabilities, like other minority groups, are subject to prejudices and stereotyping. Everyone is prone to being influenced by common stories or myths that they have learnt about disability.

Some common myths about students with disabilities include:
• Equal opportunity means that everyone is treated the same- so students with disabilities should not get any ‘special treatment’.

Equal opportunity exists to provide all people with access to achieving their potential.
The application of reasonable adjustments addresses barriers to access. It minimises disadvantage’ it does not provide an advantage.

• Students with disabilities are more likely to drop out of courses than other students.

Students with disabilities are no more likely to withdraw from study than other students and, if they do withdraw, they are likely to do so for the same range of reasons.

• Students with disabilities are too time-consuming and their needs are too complex to be catered for at university.

Students with disabilities, like other students, want an education with its ensuing benefits. They are usually well organised and, while a problem may seem daunting to staff, it is quite likely that the student has faced something similar before and can readily identify a solution or an alternative.

• Science, medical, technological, business, and applied science courses are not suitable for students with disabilities.

This myth originates from preconceived notions about employment options. Students with a disability can and do aim for careers that are consistent with their goals and interests. It is important to note that many students without disabilities go on to work in peripheral or non-related degree areas.

• Students with disabilities create substantial costs through the need to provide extra equipment and additional staff time.

Some students with disabilities require special equipment or additional support staff, others require none. Adaptations are frequently low-cost and one-off.

• People with disabilities will be less attractive to employers because they will be less efficient, less reliable or unsafe employees.

A number of research studies have shown this notion to be false. In fact, not only do people with disabilities value their work role; they have fewer injuries, are more efficient and have fewer days off work than employees without a disability.

• Students with disabilities would be better off studying externally.

All students can find external study isolating with restricted opportunities for interaction in a stimulating social and intellectual environment. Qualifying students, with or without a disability, should have a choice of studying on or off campus.

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