Non-consensual Physical Contact Common; Eden Social Welfare Foundation: People with Disabilities Prone to Invisible Harm

(Central News Agency, Taipei, July 2) An Eden Social Welfare Foundation survey on stereotypes and prejudice found that "non-consensual physical contact" was a common issue. Experts point out that being suddenly pulled by someone while crossing the street is highly offensive, yet it may be a daily experience for visually impaired individuals. Overprotective behavior, though seemingly unintentional, can cause invisible pain to people with disabilities.

The Eden Social Welfare Foundation announced the results of its "Stereotype and Prejudice Sensitivity" survey at a press conference for its service program for people with disabilities today. The survey, conducted in mid-June via online questionnaires with approximately 200 members of the general public, focused on common language and situations faced by people with disabilities, such as "What a shame for such a capable person," "Suddenly being pulled by someone while crossing the street," and "My friend said, 'You're amazing!' for taking the bus alone."

The survey results show that when faced with "non-consensual physical contact" or "labeling language with clear pity or implicit denial of defects," the public felt nearly a perfect score of 5 on a 5-point scale for being offended. However, when faced with "sweeping generalizations" or "excessive praise" in daily life, such as being praised for taking the bus alone, less than one-fifth of the public felt uncomfortable.

Concurrently, Eden conducted a "Daily Disability Prejudice Awareness" survey among 300 frontline professional service providers, who voted on the prejudices most commonly encountered by people with disabilities in daily or work settings. The top 5 were: inability to be independent, selected by 80.6% of frontline staff; followed by being pitiable (68.9%), unable to work (66.5%), should just stay at home (51%), and should be treated (49.0%).

Eden Social Welfare Foundation CEO Ho Tien-yuan stated that the general public still lacks sufficient awareness and sensitivity to subtle, invisible prejudices in daily life, such as praising people with disabilities for taking the bus alone. The concepts behind these options deny the possibility of independent living for people with disabilities, negate their dignity and diversity, and hinder their right to participate in society.

Ho Tien-yuan said that people with disabilities are members of society and do not need to deliberately strive for, but should equally possess, basic equal rights in healthcare, education, housing, work, and social participation. However, for a long time, people with disabilities have often been perceived by the public as "tragic and limited vulnerable individuals" or as inspirational, optimistic life fighters.

Ho Tien-yuan believes that these prejudices, which appear unconsciously in text, speech, and symbols, often cause invisible harm. He emphasized that everyone is an individual and should replace sympathy with empathy, and respect with inclusion. Using the principle of "do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you," if one feels uncomfortable with a certain treatment, it should not be imposed on others, thereby raising overall awareness of disability etiquette.

The Eden Social Welfare Foundation's "Service Program for People with Disabilities" kicks off today, strongly advocating for the creation of an accessible society. It is hoped that government, society, and professional services will be indispensable. The government must keep pace with the times by revising laws and systems to ensure people with disabilities enjoy fair and applicable rights. The public is invited to respond and support the "Service Program for People with Disabilities" to empower them to lead their lives. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150702

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