Assumptions

We all make assumptions about others based on our own life experiences. Sometimes assumptions are helpful. Many times they are not.

The physical challenges faced by those with a disability are many but they can usually be overcome. It is the attitudinal barriers that are difficult to deal with. It is the attitudinal barriers that ultimately isolate and break the spirit.

The thoughts and stories I have shared are not things I usually talk about. This is a very personal piece but my reasons for completing the work are not personal. My intension is to shed some light and create awareness of the damaging consequences that can result when people make assumptions, especially as they relate to individuals with a disability.

I hope my story will encourage reflection and dialogue.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• physical disability
• disability
• handicap
• handicapped
• muscular dystrophy
• FSH
• FSH MD
• advocacy
• education
• societal attitudes
• misconceptions
• communication
• assumptions
• isolation
• attitude
• challenges

[xiphocostal]

Thankyou, anne, for putting things so succinctly.

I also find people make assumptions about what I am and am not capable of. They assume that if I am intelligent and educated, and strive to do my best - then if I can't do the same things as others, of the same way, I must be lazy, or undisciplined,obstinate, or not a team player, or maybe I'm just not that intelligent after all. I do not have muscular dystrophy- I have a form of autism. I find it sad "normal" judge me as having no empathy.

[anneharland]

@xiphocostal Thank you for taking the time to comment. Your thoughts are appreciated.

[anneharland]

I am glad the clip had some meaning for you.Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[Lucero0709]

WTF is this.... how did i get from some black dude eating chicken to this!?!

[theandycohen]

Ann, I help people understand not to judge themselves for making assumptions but what to do with the assumptions they make. We can follow them or we can challenge them. The latter action can help us understand each other better. Your video was truly moving and your honesty appreciated. Your passion is wonderful and inspiring. And you helped us realize how our assumptions shape the way we think but more importantly, how we treat those around us.

[spinkyspawow]

Hi Anne, I also have FSH

Usually when I read testimonials they only manage to make me feel worse.

But you captured a lot of the ways I feel. Even though on one hand I rather not have to deal with it in the first place, I finally feel a commonality with someone in the same situation. A literal example: when on an airplane I struggle asking for help with my luggage, since to everyone else I seem like a perfectly normal strong woman.

also, the sitting-water ski idea is ingenious!

[humitagirl]

what a wonderful video Anne-I too have MD; I feel your pain and every day I struggle with my disability, but like you I too am a survivor=)

[DandB923]

Anne - I'm always so impressed everytime I see this video. Thank you for posting it to YouTube.

[myopathymom]

Thanks for sharing this on YouTube. My 10 yo daughter has Bethlem Myopathy and we also struggle with the "assumptions" every day.

[nhowarth]

"Your passion for life, and living life passionately" is an encouragement to us all. No assumptions there.

Thank you for making this clip happen.

[LianaGuitarBabe]

Hey Anne,

Great to see you 've got your story up too :)

Li