People in wheelchairs automatically have

mental disabilities or developmental delays.

TRUE or false

These days there are so many outlets we can go to for information: Google, Facebook, Twitter, USQ’s Social Hub… the list goes on! But with all these fantastic resources, it’s disappointing to learn that myths, stigma

and stereotypes still exist when it comes to disability.

Here at USQ, we think it’s important to help you get on the right page when it comes to understanding different

life experiences in your classrooms, workplaces and relationships, so we’ve put together some true or false

scenarios to test your knowledge.

People in wheelchairs automatically have

mental disabilities or developmental delays.

TRUE or false

falseThis is a common myth but completely incorrect. While there

are some disabilities that affect both a person’s physical and cognitive ability, the two do not automatically go hand in hand. Just because someone is in a wheelchair or has a

physical/mobility impairment does not mean that they have any kind of mental disability, speech or hearing impairment.

TRUE or false

Mental illness is a disability.

trueThe Oxford Dictionary definition recognises a disability as

‘a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities’. Mental illness is a recognised chronic medical condition and can have a profound impact on the life of the person affected. Mental illness includes a range

of conditions such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders. At any one time, 1 in 5 Australians have a mental illness, and most people experience some form of mental

illness in their lifetime*.

If you’d like to learn more about mental health, contact USQ’s Student Services team.

*Mindframe, Facts and stats about mental illness in Australia, 2014.

TRUE or falsePeople with

disabilities lead very different lives.

falseWhen thinking about people with disabilities, it’s important

to remember that they are people first and foremost, no different to you. People who live with a disability also

work, have relationships (and yes, that does include sexual relationships), play sport, shop, cook, drive, travel and have

hobbies and interests just like you.

Usually, the only thing that gets in the way of a person with a disability is issues accessing different services within society or the perceptions and assumptions people have about disability.

TRUE or falseAll people with the same disability will act/look the same.

falseNo two people are the same, so why should we

expect that people who live with the same disability would act or look the same?

Many disabilities such as Tourette’s syndrome, Asperger syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder

present very differently from person to person. It’s often due to TV or movie characters that people form assumptions about how people with certain disabilities will present. It’s important to remember that one character is not

representative of the whole population of people living with that disability.

TRUE or falsePeople who are

deaf or have a hearing impairment can still talk.

trueFor those who are deaf or living with a hearing impairment, there are many ways they can choose to communicate. It’s

important to understand that a hearing impairment does not affect the vocal chords. In some cases, however, a person may be unable to speak or may choose to communicate with sign language. It depends on the individual and how they’ve been

taught to, and prefer to, communicate with those around them.

TRUE or false

Autistic people are rude.

falseCertain aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can

significantly affect the way a person communicates with others and this often translates to that person appearing to be rude,

ignorant or uninterested. It’s important to know that these behaviours are not intentional.

For example, people with ASD may talk about one particular topic for a long period of time without realising that others have lost

interest in the conversation. They may say what seems like odd or inappropriate things, avoid eye contact, make blunt or impolite

comments or make unwarranted physical contact with others. Having a general awareness and understanding of the behaviours associated

with ASD can help break down these perceptions.

For more information on hidden or invisible disabilities, get in touch with USQ’s Student Services team.

TRUE or falseIf someone is having a seizure

you need to put something in their mouth so they don’t

swallow or bite their tongue.

falseThis myth is both untrue and quite dangerous. It is physically impossible for a person to swallow their own tongue and as the jaw and face muscles can tighten during a seizure causing the person to bite down, placing an object in their mouth can do more harm than good. The person is then at risk of breaking the object, choking, suffocating or damaging their teeth. If you’re present during a seizure, here’s what you can do to help:• stay with the person until the seizure has passed • take note of how long the seizure lasts and how long it takes the person to

recover (this information will help the person monitor their illness) • remain calm and keep onlookers away • keep the person safe. If possible, help them to sit or lie down and remove any

nearby objects • place a cushioning object under the person’s head or support their head to

prevent injury. It IS NOT necessary to hold the person down • monitor their breathing. If possible, have the person lie down on their side with

their mouth toward the ground to prevent saliva blocking the airway. If you’re concerned about the length of the seizure or if the person does not seem to be breathing or recovering properly, call for professional medical help.

How did you go at answering these true and false questions about disability? Did you learn something new?

If you liked these disability myth busters and want to learn more about how to better understand and support your peers, get in touch with USQ’s Student Services team!

#usq #stopthestigma

social.usq.edu.au1800 269 500

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