DEALING WITH PREJUDICE

Unfortunately, there is no magic potion that you can take which will rid you of prejudice. And, as you have learnt, stereotypes and prejudice can be deep seated and hard to shift. However, there are some things you can do that will help.

Communicate and Connect

Confront stereotypes. Don’t avoid contact and communication. A classic example is the ‘Does he take sugar?’ syndrome – addressing comments to an able-bodied person accompanying a disabled person, rather than to the disabled person directly.

Does he take sugar? by Michael W. Williams⁸

‘Does he take sugar in his tea?’

Hello; why not ask me?

I might have a disability,

But to answer for myself I still have the ability.

Just ’cos I’m not stood up like you: