As we approach a new school year, and in a world where diversity is increasingly celebrated, I want to revisit an issue I have written about before that still lags behind in understanding and acceptance: the way we view and treat individuals with disabilities. While strides have been made in inclusion, and awareness, a deeply ingrained issue persists—presumed incompetence. This silent but pervasive bias can significantly affect the lives of both children and adults with disabilities, limiting their opportunities and stifling their potential.
Presumed incompetence is the automatic assumption that a person with a disability is less capable or unable to perform certain tasks, make decisions, or contribute meaningfully to society. This bias often stems from a lack of understanding or knowledge about disabilities, leading to misguided judgments about what individuals with disabilities can or cannot do.
For children and adults with disabilities, this presumption can manifest in various ways—being talked down to, excluded from decision-making, or denied opportunities to prove their abilities. It's an insidious form of ableism that undermines their autonomy, self-esteem, and growth.
Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to presumed incompetence. During their formative years, they rely on the support and belief of parents, teachers, and caregivers to develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. When these key figures assume incompetence, it can have a devastating impact on the child's development. In educational settings, presumed incompetence can lead to lowered expectations and a lack of access to appropriate learning opportunities. Teachers might underestimate a child's potential and provide less challenging material, which can hinder cognitive and academic development.
Children with disabilities are often excluded from social activities or play because others assume they cannot participate or contribute. This isolation can lead to loneliness, social anxiety, and a lack of essential interpersonal skills. Constantly being treated as incapable can cause a child to internalize these beliefs, leading to diminished self-confidence and a reluctance to try new things. Over time, this can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the child believes they are truly incapable of achieving success.
Including children with disabilities in education and social settings benefits both disabled and non-disabled children. For children with disabilities, inclusive environments provide opportunities to learn alongside their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and improving their social and academic outcomes. These settings allow them to be seen for their abilities, not just their disabilities, countering the damaging effects of presumed incompetence. For non-disabled children, interacting with their disabled peers can enhance empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diversity, while also teaching them the value of inclusion and presumed competence. This mutual benefit helps build a more compassionate, equitable society where all children learn to appreciate and respect each other's strengths, regardless of their abilities.
For adults, the consequences of presumed incompetence are equally profound, affecting every aspect of life—from employment to relationships to personal autonomy.
In the workplace, presumed incompetence can lead to discrimination in hiring, limited career advancement, and exclusion from key projects or responsibilities. Employers might assume that an individual with a disability is not capable of performing certain tasks, leading to missed opportunities and economic disadvantage.
Adults with disabilities often face decisions being made for them, even in areas where they are fully capable of making their own choices. This can include decisions about their health care, living arrangements, or personal relationships. Such paternalistic attitudes strip them of their dignity and right to self-determination.
The constant experience of being underestimated or dismissed can take a toll on mental health. Adults with disabilities may experience depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness, exacerbated by the lack of agency and respect they encounter in their daily lives.
Addressing the issue of presumed incompetence requires a shift in mindset—one that moves from assumptions to understanding, from pity to respect, and from exclusion to inclusion. Here are some steps that can help break the cycle:
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities is crucial. This can be achieved through education, disability advocacy, and inclusive representation in disability awareness and education programs, and the media. When society is better informed, the automatic assumptions of incompetence can be challenged and dismantled.
Person-Centered Approaches: Whether in education, healthcare, or the workplace, adopting a person-centered approach is key. This means recognizing and respecting the individual’s abilities, preferences, and goals. Rather than making assumptions, ask the person directly about their needs and desires.
Empowering Voices: Individuals with disabilities must be empowered to speak up for themselves and advocate for their rights. Encouraging self-advocacy and providing platforms for their voices to be heard can help counteract the effects of presumed incompetence.
Creating Inclusive Environments: Environments that are truly inclusive go beyond mere accessibility. They foster a culture of respect, where diversity in ability is valued, and everyone is given the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Inclusive environments challenge the status quo and demonstrate that competence comes in many forms.
Presumed incompetence is a barrier that hinders the growth and potential of individuals with disabilities. It’s a silent prejudice that can have far-reaching effects on their lives, from childhood through adulthood. By challenging our own assumptions, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals with disabilities, we can create a society where everyone is recognized for their abilities and contributions, regardless of their physical or cognitive differences. The journey to overcoming presumed incompetence is not just about changing the way we view others; it’s about creating a world where everyone is given the chance to thrive.
By Michelle Friedman
Michelle Friedman is the board chair of Keshet in Chicago, a member of Disability Lead and has been a disability advocate for 40 years. She has written two children’s books and is a frequent speaker for elementary and high school-age students.
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