They're People First!

Came across this article from Canada and it's just too powerful to pass up. Have to change the perception of people with disabilities as victims. They are people -- just like anyone else.

Historically, people with disabilities have been regarded as individuals to be pitied, feared or ignored.
They have been seen as helpless victims, offensive adversaries, heroic people overcoming tragedy and charity cases that are dependent on others for their wellbeing and care.
The media would focus on heartwarming stories of inspiration that reinforced stereotypes and patronized and underestimated people’s abilities. They have also been treated as people who are incapable of making decisions about their own lives. Behaviour, life skills, social skills programs and so on were set up to address what they needed based on their diagnosis.