Barriers Quote by Nancy Mairs
“I felt permanently exiled from 'normality.' Whether imposed by self or society, this outsider status - and not the disability itself - constitutes the most daunting barrier for most people with physical impairments, because it, even more than flights of steps or elevators without braille, prevents them from participating fully in the ordinary world, where most of life's satisfactions dwell.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Being a Disabled Person, Nancy Mairs, 1994
Feeling excluded from normal life, whether by self‑perception or societal attitudes, creates a greater obstacle than physical barriers for people with impairments.
In simple terms: Exclusion is a bigger hurdle than physical obstacles.
Key Takeaway
Address attitudes, not just accessibility.
Themes
disability
inclusion
identity
social barriers
psychology
Mood
reflective
empathetic
determined
Type
personal essay
advocacy
When to use this quote
- workplace integration
- public spaces
- education
- healthcare
- community events
Key Concepts
social stigma
self‑concept
environmental design
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal beliefs reinforce exclusion?
- What changes can shift societal perception of disability?
A Different Perspective
Physical solutions alone cannot ensure full participation.
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