People Who Look Different
A DIFFERENT ISSUE confronts people who may not be limited in their life activities, but who are treated as if they have a disability because of their appearance.
People with facial differences, such as cleft lip or palate, cranio-facial disfigurement, or a skin condition; people who are above or below the average height or weight; people who may display visible effects of medication, such as a tremor.
In short, people who look different have the frequent experience of finding people staring at them, looking away or looking through them as if they are invisible.
Everyone needs to have a positive self-image to be a fully participating member of society. Be sure that you don’t contribute to stigmatizing people who look different.
If the situation is appropriate, strike up a conversation and include the person in whatever is going on.