Everyone with a disability, no matter their age or gender, wants to feel accepted. All people, regardless of disability, need to feel accepted and part of a community. It is easy to feel lost and helpless when that sense of belonging is lacking in your life. We all matter regardless of age, gender or disability. If you are looking for quality disability support services anywhere and under any circumstances, you can find them on disability support Melbourne.

Society has instilled in our brains the idea that if you are different from others, you don’t belong. Society is against people who are not like them. A staggering 48.9million Americans have some type of disability. That’s nearly 50 million people that deserve the same love and support from the rest of us. Here are 6 ways you can support people who have disabilities.

1) Have high standards and set reasonable expectations

Society tells us that people with disabilities have to be cared for and monitored constantly. Although everyone with a disability is different, this is often not true. The society continues to have low expectations of people with disabilities. This mindset has become the norm for many people. This applies to people with disabilities as they also start setting low expectations. It is important to have high expectations for people with disabilities. Give them the opportunity to feel like you are their equal.

2) Get educated

It’s as easy to perform a Google-search! You don’t have to attend classes or go to libraries. All you have to do to access thousands of articles is type some words into Google. The basics are enough. You don’t have to be an expert. Learn about the good, bad and ugly aspects of someone with a disability.

If you feel comfortable asking them in person, The internet can only give you so much. Each person has a unique disability. So if you feel the right time, ask them to openly discuss their disability. Ask them what their current limitations are and what they hope to be able or able to do.

3) Never assume

They say don’t assume everything. If you feel it appropriate to ask someone about a disability, then do so. But, don’t assume. Many disabilities go unnoticed, as they easily fit into the “mold” of society. There is nothing more awkward than thinking that someone has a handicap when in fact they don’t.

4) Be a good and attentive listener

This can apply to all stages in life. But it is crucial to listen and support people with disabilities. Although it is commonly believed that people with disabilities have a hard time or are unable to interact with others due to their disability, this is not always true. It may be necessary to learn about how people communicate and adapt, but listening is such a vital quality. Listening to other people will help them feel more valued, included, and important. These three elements are essential to living a happy, fulfilled life.

5) Be inclusive.

While this is in line with the previous point it is still important to mention. You don’t need to be good friends with everyone. But you should make every effort possible to spend quality time with them. Inclusion should not be seen as pity. However, we do not want anyone to be forced to become friends. But make sure your friends and acquaintances who have disabilities can join group activities. Ask them questions if you’re not sure. Just asking them questions can help you feel included.

6) Be a support system

Everybody can thrive if they have a strong support network. Even though people with disabilities may not require the same support as you, they still need it. You can help others by being educated. Support systems can look different for people with different disabilities.