Disability is not a curse, nor is it a sign of weakness. People with disabilities, just like everyone else, have their strengths and weaknesses. They deserve the same respect, opportunities, and rights as everyone else. Unfortunately, society has not always recognized this, and people with disabilities have faced discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion. However, there are many individuals and organizations that are working to change this and promote disability rights and inclusion. One powerful way to do this is through words. Empowering words can inspire, educate, and motivate people to see disability in a new light and to take action to create a more inclusive world. Here are 50 quotes about disability that can help to empower people with disabilities and their allies.
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.”
Martina Navratilova
This quote reminds us that disability is not just about limitations but also about strengths and contributions. People with disabilities have unique skills, talents, and perspectives that can benefit others. We should focus on what people with disabilities can do, not on what they can’t do.
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
Scott Hamilton
This quote emphasizes that disability is not just a physical or mental condition but also an attitude. A positive attitude can help people with disabilities to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. On the other hand, a negative attitude can limit their potential and make them feel helpless and hopeless.
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.”
Stevie Wonder
This quote challenges the stereotype that people with disabilities are helpless and dependent. People with disabilities can have dreams, goals, and aspirations just like anyone else. They can also have a vision of a better world and work towards it.
“I have a disability, but I don’t consider myself to be disabled because I can do pretty much anything I want to do.”
Marlee Matlin
This quote highlights the difference between having a disability and being disabled. Having a disability means having a physical or mental condition that affects some aspects of life. Being disabled means being excluded from society and not having equal opportunities and rights. People with disabilities can be empowered by focusing on their abilities and not on their disabilities.
“I am different, not less.”
Temple Grandin
This quote challenges the notion that people with disabilities are inferior or abnormal. People with disabilities are just different, and that’s okay. We should respect and value their differences and not try to make them conform to arbitrary norms and standards.
“I have a disability, but I don’t see it as a hindrance. It’s an opportunity to be creative. It forced me to think outside of the box and to be resourceful.”
Heather Whitestone
This quote shows that having a disability can be a challenge but also an opportunity. People with disabilities can develop unique skills and strategies to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. They can also inspire others by their resilience and creativity.
“The worst thing about a disability is that people see it before they see you.”
Easter Seals
This quote highlights the social stigma and prejudice that people with disabilities face. Instead of seeing the person behind the disability, people often focus on the disability itself and make assumptions about the person’s abilities, intelligence, and worth. This can lead to discrimination and exclusion.
“The only true disability is the inability to accept and respect differences.”
Unknown
This quote emphasizes that disability is not just a personal condition but also a social construct. The way society treats people with disabilities can either empower or disable them. By accepting and respecting differences, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
“Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live.”
Neil Marcus
This quote challenges the stereotype that people with disabilities are heroes or victims. People with disabilities are just human beings who have found creative ways to adapt to their environment and to express themselves. Disability can be seen as a form of diversity and creativity.
“All of us are disabled in some way; we just don’t have a label for it.”
Harvey Pekar
This quote reminds us that disability is not an isolated condition but a universal human experience. We all have limitations, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. By recognizing our own disability, we can develop empathy and solidarity with people with disabilities.
“Disability is a natural part of the human experience that influences all of us. We are all temporarily-abled.”
Stella Young
This quote challenges the assumption that disability is a rare and exceptional condition. Disability is actually a common and diverse phenomenon that affects people of all ages, genders, races, and cultures. Moreover, disability is not a fixed or permanent status but a dynamic and fluid one that can change over time.
“The only disability in life is to have no goal.”
Unknown
This quote emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life. People with disabilities, like everyone else, need to have goals and aspirations that give meaning and direction to their lives. Having a disability may require some adjustments and adaptations, but it should not prevent them from pursuing their dreams.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Nelson Mandela
This quote applies to everyone, including people with disabilities. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but what matters is how we respond to them. People with disabilities may face more obstacles than others, but they also have the potential to be more resilient and determined.
“We are all different. There is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit.”
Stephen Hawking
This quote celebrates the diversity and unity of humanity. People with disabilities may have different bodies, minds, and abilities, but they share the same humanity and dignity as everyone else. We should embrace and celebrate diversity as a source of richness and beauty.
“I don’t suffer from my disability. I suffer from the attitudes that society has towards it.”
Chris Fonseca
This quote exposes the social injustice and inequality that people with disabilities face. It is not the disability itself that causes suffering but the discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion that society imposes on them. By changing attitudes and policies, we can alleviate the suffering of people with disabilities and create a more just and inclusive society.
“Disability is not a curse. It’s a challenge and an opportunity to excel.”
Unknown
This quote echoes the positive and empowering message that people with disabilities can achieve great things if given the opportunity and support. Disability should not be seen as a limitation but as a motivation to push oneself to the limit and to discover one’s full potential.
“The only disability is when people cannot see human potential.”
Debra Ruh
This quote emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond appearances and stereotypes. People with disabilities are not defined by their disability but by their humanity and potential. By recognizing and nurturing their potential, we can help them to thrive and contribute to society.
“Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does.”
Stella Young
This quote challenges the assumption that people with disabilities are either extraordinary or pitiful. People with disabilities are just ordinary people who happen to have a disability. What makes them exceptional is their ability to question and challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that surround disability.
“Disability is an art, an opportunity, and a challenge.”
Richard C. Senelick
This quote sums up the three aspects of disability that we have seen in the previous quotes. Disability can be seen as an art because it requires creativity, adaptability, and self-expression. Disability can also be seen as an opportunity because it can lead to personal growth, social change, and innovation. Disability can finally be seen as a challenge because it requires resilience, perseverance, and courage.
These are just a few of the many quotes about disability that can inspire and empower people with disabilities and their allies. By sharing these quotes and other positive messages, we can create a culture of inclusion and respect that values diversity and promotes human rights.
