#heardwhilstdisabled: Things said to disabled people
By Damon Rose
The #heardwhilstdisabled hashtag is doing good business on Twitter. Parodying "overheard in the office" columns, disabled social media users are contributing uncomfortable glimpses into their lives by sharing the things the public can say.
The subsequent tweets are full of fascinating misunderstandings and bigger examples of being patronised, which can sometimes materially affect lives and the way disabled people want to live.
Here's a selection:
- "I'd give anything to be sick like you and be thin"
- "You're smiling - you can't be in that much pain"
- "If she was my kid, I'd have her walking by now"
- "So, is your daughter normal then?"
- "Isn't it lovely to see them out and about?"
- "People don't want to see people with disabilities on stage - they've come out to have a nice time"
- "People like you should be in homes, it's not fair that the rest of us have to deal with your problems"
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is not immune either. She tweeted: "[D]id you really think about getting pregnant because people like you will find it hard."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-24064300
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