Being Disrespected

If someone is not being respectful (in any situation) and is using bad or negative words to ask questions, you can decide whether or not you want to answer their questions.

Everyone has days when it’s a little harder to take the time to answer questions or even speak up for what you need. It is often difficult to take the time to answer questions in social situations. You will learn how to decide whether you have the time to spare. Your replies might help people to better understand persons with disabilities and how to treat people respectfully in the future, but sometimes it might be important to decide whether you can really make a difference for someone.

Remember that being a person with a disability (and even a leader who has a disability) does not mean it is always your job to teach others about your disability. Sometimes you will teach others about your disability not by talking about it, but by talking about your life and your dreams, and showing people who you are and what you can do!