Changing perceptions

Professor Sue Ralph, a visiting professor from the University of Northampton, recently presented an intriguing lecture at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) on the role images of disabled people play in society.

Studying the various contexts in which these images are used, such as education and media, Ralph explained that the impact of these images affects the behaviour and attitudes of the public.

Inclusive vs exclusive
In her lecture, Ralph concluded that a majority of images do not reflect an inclusive portrayal of the disabled. "An inclusive photo is one that portrays the disabled as equal members of society," she said.

"Pictures of the disabled are often separated from the rest of the pictures in publications, either in a separate corner or a completely different section," Ralph said.

"Others are charitable images, used to draw pity from the viewers. In the photos the disabled are often pictured alone or sad. And many times they are not even incorporated at all. For example, you don't often see them in TV programmes."

Ralph explained that the consequence of this is a negative perception of people with disabilities in which others don't view them as equal people in society.

The solution
A solution Ralph proposes is to change the manner in which research is conducted.

"Research shouldn't be done on or about people - it should be done with them," she said. "Because no one knows their experiences better than the people actually experiencing them."

Another and perhaps key solution is to have more inclusive images of the disabled that treat them as a normal part of society.

"Why can't there be a disabled person as part of a group? After all, they are consumers; they are group members and share certain beliefs just like everyone else. Why not have them be a family member on a TV show? When all these components work together, they make a significant difference in the overall public perception."

Valuable members of society
Ralph emphasised that the differences between members of a society is what gives it its value.

"Many people that we exclude from society, whether it's in terms of physical, racial or any other factor - and many of whom are usually minorities, have a lot to offer society," Ralph said. "So by not including them we are missing out on the richness that these groups can add to our society."

The role of educational institutes
Yet another solution Ralph proposed is for society to examine its own views and prejudices, the reasons behind them and confront these underlying issues.

Ralph said that educational institutes should challenge the common attitudes and perceptions held by the community.

"Why can't a disabled person do a job? The number of unemployed disabled people is huge despite their knowledge and credibility," she said.

Nevertheless, Ralph asserted that to have a prominent and positive impact, all contexts should be examined.

She explained that people are exposed to all kinds of stimuli that shape their attitudes on a daily basis, and only if all stimuli are changed in a way that portrays the disabled as active and equal members society will there begin to be significant change.