Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Get-hooked
  • How to be a better friend to a person with a disability

How to be a better friend to a person with a disability

Get-hooked February 23, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

Man is a social animal and craves companionship, love and support from fellow beings. This makes the role of friends critical in our lives. However, some people with disabilities face barriers in forming deep friendships due to stigma. People are also unsure how to talk to someone who is disabled, how to approach them, etc.

Pulkit Sharma, is a well-known video logger and restaurant critic based in New Delhi. As a wheelchair user, he understands some of this awkwardness that non disabled people feel, but asks them to spare showing pity or sympathy.

While I do not have a problem if people ask me questions about my disability, I prefer not explaining things to them in detail. There are a few people who bombard me with questions and show me sympathy and that irritates me to the core. What matters the most to me is the connection that we have, irrespective of being a disabled person or not. I believe that every human being is different and there are seven billion people in the world and so much to explore. If you have a problem with me or my disability, you can move on. So will I. – Pulkit Sharma, Restaurant critic

So, if you are wondering how to be a better friend to a disabled person, here are some tips.

  • Watch what you talk – Speaking your mind with friends is totally fine but watch what you say. This applies to all, regardless of disability. But some sensitivity when you are around a person with a disability is especially appreciated. We often use words that are routinely used to describe someone and do not realize they are hurtful. And remember you can be put behind bars for discriminating or hurting the sentiments of a community.
  • Do not assume things – Since people with disabilities are judged a lot, people tend to assume things about them. Like for instance, you might think that a wheelchair user needs help to move around. Or maybe when you go to a restaurant, you might think that your deaf friend needs advice on what food to order to the waiter. Stop judging or assuming things for disabled people. They are capable of doing their own things and will ask for help if needed.
  • Be thoughtful – Look out for accessible locations for meetings. When you plan for a meet-up, make sure that it is an accessible location where your disabled friend can join you. There are many restaurants and malls that are accessible, especially in cities. Try and find them out before finalizing a place. Maybe you can even ask your disabled friend for suggestions.
  • Do not discuss disability all the time. – Once a comfort level is established, it is fine to ask your friend about his or her disability. But can you not make that the sole focus of conversation? There are many interesting things to talk about.

Penav Mota, who is visually impaired, says most of his friends are people who are non disabled. Initially they would ask him many questions. “They used to ask me questions like how I became blind and is there a cure to it. Honestly, I am OK with such questions but there is a way of asking it. You must make sure that the other person is also comfortable”, he says.

For Simran Chawla, who is blind, it is important to be treated as an equal.

“Like for instance, when you go to get something, do not ask the disabled person to wait there so that they can go and get it. Most of them do not mean anything bad that way. They think that it is difficult for a disabled person to do it along with them. But that should not be the case. You must do it together. Isn’t that what being friends is all about?”, she asks.

Friendships know no religion, caste, creed, country or disability. Keep an open mind whoever you meet and wherever you meet to know the true meaning and value a friendship can bring.

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Accessibility,Independent Living
    Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 2 of 3)
  • Get-hooked,Headlines
    Celebrate Achievers with Disabilities with us today
  • Education,Employment
    A STEPPING STONE TO COVETED CAREERS

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Christine Ha has covered her eyes and the words how you see me are on the back of her hand

Get-hooked

Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day

Kush Kanodia carrying the torch at the 2020 London Paralympics

Get-hooked

“UK needs a National Disability Strategy, co-produced with disabled people” – Disability rights champion Kush Kanodia

A LinkABILITY session in progress

Education

A STEPPING STONE TO COVETED CAREERS

Accessibility

Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities in India – Challenges & Way Forward (series 2 of 3)

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Parasports

Decide what you want in life & go all out to get it, believes para sportsperson Pooja Agarwal

Get-hooked

A born artist, Mashood believes in living life, king size!

Get-hooked

Poet-activist Abhishek Anicca looks to trigger conversations about disability with spoken word poem

Get-hooked

#LovePossible - How Anitha knew Immanuel really loved her

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.