MOCKING THE DISABLED

I have heard many stories, of how the disabled population is mocked behind their backs.  Some of the mockers are the staff workers themselves.  Some staff, whether it’s Camp Workers, Group Home Workers, School Workers, or Aides sometimes make remarks behind the disabled person’s back.  More often then not the remark is loud enough for the disabled person to hear.

Sometimes people in public make fun of the developmentally disabled also, but we often rationalize it is because of their ignorance or immaturity.

Some of the people who make fun of the disabled do not realize that just because the person is impaired mentally, physically, or can not speak does not mean that they do not understand they are being ridiculed.

Many developmentally disabled people are very smart and some are brilliant.  Even children with Autism have feelings regardless of being said to have lack of emotions.  When you know the person being bullied, you can sense their despair over comments made. 

It may take the disabled time to digest the input, but talking about them negatively impacts the disabled person emotionally.  They often cry inside.  They have internal tears.  Some can outwardly cry, or cry to themselves at night with the sad memory of the day.

People and staff should have more consideration before making jerky remarks that they think are funny to other people or staff.  They should put themselves in the disabled person’s shoes to understand how they suffer emotionally not only with their disability, but with mockery from others.

AUTISM AWARENESS AND BULLYING

Autism awareness is coming up in a couple of weeks.  We have to be made aware that the developmentally disabled tend to be bullied more than their peers as studies have shown.  The problem with the disabled population, esp. those mentally challenged, is that they can misinterpret information and do not often have a coping mechanism.

                         

These disabled individuals are dependent on their circle of support to intervene.  Those who know these individuals can sense when something is wrong since they may not be able to tell anyone of their plight. 

Observation by others around the disabled person with positive input and assistance with a difficult situation can help alleviate the situation.  Reporting any unusual circumstances to Authorities can benefit the disabled person and prevent future episodes.

Groups specializing in anti-bullying often visit schools and publicize anti-bullying tactics. People involved in the lives of those with disabilities can help to offset signs of bullying by others by speaking up and showing that you care. 

By doing something so simple, you can make a difference in the disabled person’s life.