Myth

Fact

People with disabilities are all old or
Disabilities are only inherited

A person can be born with a disability or acquire it through old age, illness or in an accident.

Only people who have lost their limbs are disabled

A person can have all his four limbs intact and yet be disabled.

Disabilities are always visible

Many people have disabilities that are not obvious.  These can include learning disabilities, various medical disabilities, cognitive impairments and mental impairments and disorders.  Some visual and, hearing impairments are also not obvious.  

People with disabilities must always use the wheelchair

A range of mobility and assistive devices are available to help people with disabilities  overcome their disabilities and perform daily activities

All people who use wheelchairs are chronically ill or sickly

There are many reasons why a person may need to use a wheelchair, some of which may have nothing to do with lingering illness.

People with disabilities are all poor

There are people with disabilities from low income families, and people with disabilities from more well-to-do families, just like there are some people in society who are from low income families and some from more well-to-do ones

People with disabilities can only do simple, repetitive jobs or can only do light duty work

Like everyone else, people with disabilities have a variety of skills to offer, which differ from person to person.