Health Professionals as Contributors to Attitudes Toward Persons with Disabilities

Abstract

Negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities are common in our society. Although these attitudes are not voiced readily, they are expressed in a variety of ways and serve as barriers to the full realization of human potential. Health care professionals hold attitudes toward persons with disabilities that are similar to those of society as a whole, and they may be actual perpetuators of this limiting practice. This article explores possible origins of negative stereotypes of persons with disabilities and how these stereotypes are reinforced through the media. Health care professionals play a special role in continuing them. Change can occur through increased awareness and a humanitarian desire to reach beyond labels.