In honor of National Disability Day, let’s take a moment to challenge some of the misconceptions that continue to surround disabilities. Disabilities are as diverse as the people who live with them, but stereotypes and myths still shape how society perceives disability. These misconceptions aren’t just inaccurate—they’re harmful, creating barriers that impact everything from workplace opportunities to personal relationships. It’s time to start seeing disability for what it truly is: a natural part of human diversity:
Myth: People with disabilities can’t do meaningful work
Photo by Cliff Booth
Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard someone say disabled people aren’t “cut out” for certain jobs. The truth? Disabled individuals bring an incredible range of skills and perspectives to the workplace. With proper accommodations—things like flexible schedules, adaptive tools, or remote options—there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Think about it: people with disabilities earn advanced degrees, manage teams, run businesses, and excel in countless industries. What they need is opportunity, not pity, and we must remember that success comes from talent and determination—not physical or neurological traits.
Myth: All disabilities are visible
Photo by cottonbro studio
Here’s a big one: not all disabilities come with a wheelchair, cane, or other visible markers. Conditions like chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and neurodivergent traits are often invisible. That doesn’t make them any less real. Unfortunately, many disabled people get invalidated because others “can’t see” their disability.
Needless to say, that’s dismissive and harmful. Imagine telling someone with fibromyalgia or autism that they’re “just fine” because they don’t look disabled—it’s like trying to argue that gravity doesn’t exist because you can’t see it. It’s important we believe and support disabled people when they share their experiences, and educate ourselves as much as possible.
Myth: Disabled people always need help
Photo by Marcus Aurelius
You’d be surprised how many people think being disabled means needing constant care. While some individuals do require assistance, many disabled people are completely independent. They know what they need, how to ask for help when necessary, and how to live their lives on their own terms.
Assuming someone always needs help isn’t just wrong—it’s patronizing. This is why it’s good practice to ask disabled people if they need help instead of doing things for them. That instinct may come from a good place, but disabled people aren’t helpless and it’s not kind to assume that they are.
Myth: People with physical disabilities also have cognitive impairments
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch
It’s not uncommon for people to conflate physical disability with cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, that’s an ableist assumption that should be left in the dust. Physical and cognitive disabilities are entirely separate, so it’s important not to conflate the two.
For example, someone with cerebral palsy may have a speech impediment but no cognitive impairments whatsoever. If you’re unsure about someone’s disability and want to be respectful, let them tell you about their abilities and listen to their experience.
Myth: Disabilities make people’s lives tragic or burdensome
Photo by ELEVATE
The idea that disability equals tragedy is not only outdated, but it also erases the full, vibrant lives many disabled people lead. Disability is not some cosmic punishment—it’s a natural part of human diversity. Many disabled individuals view their disability as just one part of who they are, not something to “overcome” or “fix.” The more productive thing to do is celebrate all the ways disability enriches the human experience and be inspired by how resilient, strong, creative, smart, resourceful, and empowered disabled people tend to be.
Disability myths don’t just exist in a vacuum—they shape how we treat people, what opportunities we offer them, and how they’re included in society. Busting them is a great way to start creating a world where everyone, disabled or not, is treated with respect and dignity. The next time you encounter one of these myths, challenge it. By breaking down stereotypes and listening to the voices of disabled individuals, we can help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
