Olivia and Raven talk about the infantilization and invalidation that often occurs when people attempt to assist disabled people. They cover the double standards for providing help to nondisabled and disabled people, when so-called “help” can be intrusive or harmful, and the importance of respecting boundaries when offering to assist someone.

Discussion Summary:

00:35: Discussion intro.

00:52: Beginning of episode, and why people either don’t accept when a disabled person refuses assistance, or they refuse to assist a disabled person asking for help.

04:10: Making a bigger deal of disabled people’s actions and mistakes than those of nondisabled people.

09:07: When people are intrusive in the way they offer assistance.

11:56: Getting upset with people for refusing assistance, and why so-called “help” can sometimes hinder a person’s independence.

14:19: When attempts to be helpful can be harmful, and the double standard for offering assistance to disabled and nondisabled people.

28:21: Why some people decide to help disabled people by speaking to the person accompanying them, rather than speaking directly to the disabled person.

33:54: Experiences with being helped by someone who won’t address you directly.

46:29: Behaving as though accommodating a disabled person is an inconvenience or favor.

49:37: The importance of asking “how can I help you?”, and setting preconceived notions aside when assisting a disabled person.

50:58: Outro.

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Music credits: Opening: Goestories - Noir Et Blanc Vie

Discussion intro: "Leopard Print Elevator" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Closing: First Class - DJ Williams