Dispelling Disability Myths: Helpful Insights for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

According to the CDC, approximately one in four US adults will experience a disability at some point in their lives. Despite how common disability is, people with disabilities face ongoing misconceptions and biases that contribute to existing disparities in healthcare access and quality. It’s crucial to address and dispel these beliefs and biases, especially in healthcare settings, to ensure fair and compassionate care for all individuals, regardless of their ability level.

As a clinician or caregiver, taking the time to challenge the assumptions about people with disabilities can contribute to the development of an emotionally safe, inclusive, and supportive healthcare environment for patients. By addressing these longstanding assumptions, clinicians and caregivers can significantly improve healthcare access, care quality, and outcomes for all.

Myth #1: People with disabilities can’t make informed healthcare decisions

Example: Marcus, a young man with Down Syndrome, visits a new healthcare provider. His provider directs all communication to his caregiver, assuming Marcus won’t understand any of the medical information or be able to make an informed decision about his care.

How to address it: His provider should speak directly to Marcus rather than his caregiver, explaining any healthcare concerns to Marcus and offering the necessary support to empower Marcus’ healthcare decision-making.

Reality: Everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and support should be provided for people with disabilities to ensure their autonomy.

Myth #2: People with disabilities aren’t sexually active

Example: Sarah, a young woman with cerebral palsy, notes that she’s often been dismissed by her providers when she tries to discuss her sexual health concerns, like what type of birth control to use or what limitations she should take into consideration when engaging in sexual activity.

How to address it: As you would with any other patient, speak openly and respectfully in conversations about sexual health with Sarah, offering information and support tailored to her specific needs and preferences.

Reality: People with disabilities have the same desires, needs, and rights as anyone else when it comes to sexuality.

Myth #3: People with disabilities can’t manage their healthcare and well-being

Example: John, who’s on the autism spectrum, struggles to navigate the healthcare system independently and faces barriers in accessing necessary health information, like becoming overwhelmed when accessing his MyChart electronic health record.

How to address it: Work closely with John to develop personalized health management plans, provide accessible resources, facilitate a demonstration of your office’s online patient portal, encourage John to ask questions, and offer guidance to empower him in taking charge of his health.

Reality: While it varies based on individual circumstances and factors, many people with disabilities have to be more proactive about managing their health and well-being than the average non-disabled patient. Healthcare teams should be prepared to support patients with disabilities in seeking information and resources for their care needs.

Myth #4: People with disabilities can’t live independently

Example: Maria, who is now 32 years old, has used a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury for over two decades. She often faces familial and societal assumptions that she’s unable to live independently and make her own decisions.

How to address it: Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in supporting individuals like Maria by advocating for their autonomy and well-being. They can provide resources and referrals to support services and assist in coordinating care that facilitates independent living.

Reality: People with disabilities can lead independent lives with the support of adaptive equipment, technology, community support, and the support of their healthcare providers.

Myth #5: People with disabilities always look disabled

Example: David, who has a heart condition, often faces misconceptions that he “doesn’t look sick” when he parks in a handicap space at his doctor’s office and has dealt with individuals in the past who question his condition.

How to address it: Promote awareness about diverse health conditions individuals like David’s, emphasizing that disabilities are not always visible and educating your colleagues and community to help them avoid making assumptions based on appearance.

Reality: There’s an incredibly diverse range of health conditions among individuals with disabilities who often don’t appear or act disabled in ways that we commonly acknowledge.

Myth #6: People with disabilities are not capable of adhering to treatment plans on their own

Example: Emily, who has ADHD, struggles with medication adherence due to her condition.

How to address it: Providers should work collaboratively with Emily and other support services to develop strategies for her medication management (e.g., using apps to remind her to take her meds), offer necessary accommodations, and provide ongoing support to promote treatment adherence.

Reality: With the proper support and accommodations, individuals with disabilities can effectively adhere to treatment plans and manage their health conditions.

What Every Clinician and Caregiver Should Keep in Mind When Treating a Patient with a Disability

Disability does not define a person’s capabilities or intelligence, and assumptions should be avoided.
It’s essential to learn disability etiquette and respectful language to foster positive interactions.
People with disabilities have diverse healthcare needs and may require accommodation for effective communication and access to care.
Building trust and rapport with patients with disabilities is crucial for establishing effective and collaborative healthcare relationships.
Healthcare providers should take the time to become knowledgeable about adaptive equipment and technologies that can support patients with disabilities.
Cultural competency training should include awareness of the unique experiences and challenges faced by patients with disabilities.
It’s essential to involve patients with disabilities in decision-making about their care and treatment plans.
Patients with disabilities may face barriers to healthcare access, including physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers.
Regular screenings and preventive care are just as crucial for patients with disabilities as for those without disabilities.
Patients with disabilities may experience discrimination in healthcare settings, and providers should advocate for their rights and equitable treatment.