11/20/2025
Are you aware that one in ten people are born with a disability and nine out of ten of us will develop one at some point in our lives. As we age our abilities are going to change, it is the natural process of aging it is a fact that we all will need some assistance. Yet for many, talking about disability feels uncomfortable.
It may be because we are not always sure how to assist or we worry about saying the wrong thing and possibly offending someone, or looking ignorant that we do not know So, we avoid the topic and in doing so, unintentionally exclude people from our conversations, networks, and communities.
Here’s the truth: people with disabilities are just like everyone else only our bodies or brains simply work differently. We adapt, we problem-solve, we thrive.
Us older folks were also taught, don’t look, don’t stare and do not ask questions. Over the years those of us living with disabilities have advanced behind the scenes with technology, available tools and devices, training, rehabilitation and supports have allowed to to navigate through the world only different from people who do not have disabilities.
A few ways to do better:
• Greet us directly, don’t talk only to the person we’re with especially if it is about us. (This is one of the biggest complaints in our Disability community. )
• Ask us before helping, not everyone needs or wants assistance. (Please stop assuming what we are capable of.) just ask!
• Follow our lead if your offer to help is accepted. (We know what is best for us.) if we say “no thank you” that means we are good right now. No today does not mean it won’t be appreciated another time.
• Skip “What happened?” ask about our work, passions, and experiences instead. (You could ask where barriers are to accessibility and we could then have a meaningful conversation.)
Think about your own temporary challenges in your life, crutches, a sprained wrist, pulled muscle, plugged ears, migraines, depression, anxiety to name a few. Did kindness help? Did you want to be treated differently because you moved or had to do tasks a bit different?
Disability isn’t about “them” it’s about all of us.
Let’s choose connection over avoidance.
Gina martin
Diverse Abilities Programs Inc,
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Photo description.
Gina is standing in the forest on a path with her white cane She is wearing a poncho and dark, sunglasses and smiling, ready to go for a hike through the trail Text reads
“Having a disability does not change who we are, it changes our interactions with the world.”– Gina Martin
