Taboo Topics with Kate Stanforth

Today, we’re tackling taboo topics (try saying that quickly five times!).  I was recently interviewed and asked how the perceptions of disabled people could be changed and my answer has always been through (early) education.  One thing which certainly isn’t covered is ‘taboo’ subjects and I think it’s important there’s a resource available to help guide people towards knowing the answers to those tricky questions.  So, here we go, the first four questions I’ve selected to answer for Taboo Topics with Kate!

“Am I Allowed to Say Someone with a Disability is Inspiring?”

My personal feeling towards using the word ‘inspiring’ is that it’s ok to use if I have done something that classes as being inspirational, i.e causes you to change your views or actions in the future.  For example, I don’t mind people calling me inspiring when I dance in brand campaigns because I’m changing the perception of disability in the media and encouraging other people to dance.  However, calling me inspirational for ‘just living’ with my disability (my personal favourite) is something I’m not keen on!

“Can I Ask Someone ‘How did you Get your Disability?’”

First of all, it’s important to note that not everyone is comfortable talking about their disability.  I’m happy to talk about my disability if asked politely.  The people I particularly encourage to ask me about my disability are children.  I believe that educating young people is key and often has the bonus of teaching their parents a little too!  What I struggle with are people who are rude and have no agenda other than to question whether I have a disability.

“Should I Push Someone in a Wheelchair?”

Not without asking!  Firstly, a wheelchair is a very personal item to a disabled person and is like an extension of their body.  Secondly, you can hurt someone by moving them incorrectly, whether it’s tipping, pushing too fast, or jolting.  And finally, it’s just rude to push someone – it’s almost like pushing someone in the street out the way.  The only time I would encourage this is when you know someone and they ask for help, or if a friend at school has just started using a wheelchair and lacks confidence.

“How Do I communicate with Someone in a Wheelchair?”

Talk to them!  And, I mean them, not their carer – I can’t tell you how many times I get ignored!  You don’t have to do anything different.  No bending down, no change in language, nothing.  You might need to adapt to a certain disability, so if the wheelchair user is also deaf you may use sign language (or a pen and paper/phone), or if they have a learning disability you may slow down and simplify your language.  But for adults, there’s no need for baby talk!  For children, communication needs adjusting to the age range and I like to be at eye-level when talking to them, just like I would a non-disabled child, but it’s a personal preference.

I hope you’ve found our first four taboo questions useful!  Let us know if there are any others you would like me to answer.