Do you feel awkward standing in the check-out line behind someone who seems ... awkward? Maybe the person is in a wheelchair, or talks differently.
Maybe he or she has Down syndrome.
The best way to counter ableism is to treat all people with respect, dignity and interest in their lives, according to Austin Darga.
He’s been blind since birth. He’s now the official spokesperson for Grand Traverse Industries.
“If you see someone with a disability, don’t treat them any different than anyone else,” Darga said. “We are people first and people with a disability second. On top of that, give us a chance, no matter what that is — employing us or just talking to us. All we want is opportunity.
There’s a saying that it’s natural to like someone who is like you, but it’s wrong to dislike someone who isn’t. Along the same vein, don’t prejudge a disabled person’s potential,” Darga said.
“People don’t see our capabilities. A lot of time when people meet someone with a disability, they become uncomfortable. People don’t think they have much of a chance in the community or of being successful or employed. People don’t understand what we’re capable of accomplishing,” he said.
