Freedom: more or less?
This conversation, ‘Freedom: more or less?’, opens up discussion on the benefits of using aids or equipment, why people may hesitate to use them and the stigma attached.
You can find a PDF, Te Reo PDF, Easy Read and large print Word format for you to use in the resources section. You can watch the NZSL translation of this conversation starter here.
How do we end the stigma attached to using disability aids?
Disability aids such as walking sticks, headphones, and wheelchairs provide a range of benefits to disabled people. They can help people move around more easily, reduce pain and fatigue, and increase independence and freedom. For example, a walking stick can help a disabled person with balance issues to walk more safely, while a wheelchair can enable a disabled person with limited mobility to travel longer distances.
Using disability aids can also help disabled people to be more included in the lives of their whānau and community. By providing disabled people with the means to move around more easily, disability aids can help to reduce social isolation and improve quality of life. They can also help disabled people to participate in activities that they might not otherwise be able to, such as going to the shops or visiting friends and family.
So why do disabled people hesitate to use disability aids?
Despite the many benefits of using disability aids, some disabled people might hesitate to use them. This could be due to a range of factors, including:
Stigma: There is often a stigma attached to using disability aids, which can make disabled people feel self-conscious or embarrassed. This stigma can be perpetuated by negative attitudes towards disability and the belief that using disability aids is a sign of weakness or dependence.
Funding: Many disability aids in New Zealand can be government funded. However, the process can take time with multiple steps to navigate. This may deter disabled people from beginning or completing the process. Also, unfunded equipment can be expensive, and not every disabled person can afford to buy them. This can be a particular issue for disabled people who are on low incomes and/or who do not know how to get advice or support.
Lack of information: Some disabled people might not be aware of the range of disability aids available or how they might benefit from using aids. Disabled people may not know how to access or fund these aids. This can be particularly true for disabled people who are newly disabled or who have not had much experience with disability aids or disability support in the past.
Fear of dependence: Some disabled people might worry that using disability aids will make them more dependent on others, or that they will lose their independence if they start using them.
Fear of loss of ability: Some disabled people might think they will lose strength and mobility if they use aids. They may not weigh up the benefits, like safety and greater inclusion in their whānau and community.
Unconscious bias, internalised ableism and ableist attitudes towards disabled people: It is important to recognise that unconscious bias, internalised ableism, and ableist attitudes towards disabled people also influence individual’s decision to use disability aids. Building genuine acceptance of disability could shift some of the negative attitudes towards having an impairment.
Reducing the stigma
Reducing the stigma attached to disability aids is an important step in ensuring that disabled people have access to the equipment they need to live full and independent lives. Here are some ways that we can work towards reducing this stigma:
Education: Educating people about the benefits of using disability aids and challenging negative attitudes towards disability can help to reduce the stigma attached to them. This could involve providing information about the different types of disability aids available, the benefits they can provide, and the funding that is available.
Accessibility: Making the availability and range of disability aids more visible can help to reduce the stigma attached to them. This could include where to source aids, get funding, or get support, as well as making sure that disability aids are available in a range of styles and designs.
Representation: Increasing the representation of disabled people in the media and in public life can help to challenge negative attitudes towards disability and reduce the stigma attached to disability aids.
If you’re interested in this topic and would like to spark a conversation with people around you, check out the range of ‘Freedom more or less’ resources we have available. These are designed to support you and others to think differently about the language we use about disabled people.