Too often, we focus on what makes people with disabilities different, rather than celebrating their unique strengths and abilities. The question arises: should the disabled be considered "exceptional"? To address this, we must first define what "exceptional" means. The term can refer to either outstanding or inferior qualities – two extremes. The disabled are exceptional in both negative and positive perspectives. From a physical or psychological perspective, the disabled community faces deficiencies or limitations that set them apart from the general population. These challenges can be seen as a form of negative exceptionality. However, the disabled also possess exceptional potential and fortitude. Their ability to overcome adversity and adapt to their circumstances is truly remarkable. In this sense, they exhibit positive exceptionality.
The disabled can be regarded as abnormal or inferior to others from two perspectives: how disabled people perceive themselves and how non-disabled people perceive them. First, physically and psychologically disabled individuals are acutely aware of their deficiencies, leading them to view themselves as abnormal. This sense of abnormality directly contributes to feelings of inferiority and self-abasement, resulting in a general tendency for disabled people to regard themselves as negatively exceptional. Furthermore, the attitudes of non-disabled people towards the disabled are likely to reinforce these feelings of self-doubt. The unique treatment disabled people receive, even well-intentioned, provides clear feedback about their disabilities and inferiorities in daily life, deepening their sense of self-abasement. Second, non-disabled bystanders are likely to perceive the disabled as negatively exceptional due to an innate human tendency to favor those with appealing appearances and to despise those who look indecent or ugly. While some may argue that this does not apply to the psychologically disabled, humans often dislike or even humiliate people with mental disorders, believing them to have low intelligence. Consequently, it is reasonable to conclude that non-disabled people are prone to regarding the disabled as negatively exceptional.
Moreover, there is a clear psychological interaction that reinforces the self-abasement of people with disabilities. Non-disabled individuals’ stereotypes actually put pressure on those with disabilities, eroding their confidence to accomplish tasks. Lack of confidence directly leads to poorer performance, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. For instance, if an employer assumes that a visually impaired employee tends to struggle with computer work and thus assigns them menial tasks instead, the employee may begin to doubt their own abilities and perform poorly if they are given a chance to conduct more complex work. This cycle of low expectations and underperformance further cements feelings of inferiority and disadvantage among the disabled population. Conversely, if people with disabilities frequently express doubt about their own abilities due to physical or psychological challenges, others will take notice and underestimate them as well. If a wheelchair user always apologizes for being slow, they may unintentionally cause colleagues to view them as less capable. These self-doubts then get entrenched in the minds of non-disabled individuals as stereotypes for all disabled people.
However, people with disabilities can perform exceptionally well in certain areas. For example, autism can cause individuals to hyperfocus on topics of interest as a way of blocking out overwhelming information. This intense concentration often leads to the development of expertise. Albert Einstein, widely believed to have had Asperger's Syndrome, is a good example. His ability to block out distractions and delve deeply into physics contributed to his groundbreaking theories like relativity. In this way, Einstein's disability directly contributed to his remarkable achievements.
The world of sports provides further examples of disabled individuals exhibiting exceptional fortitude and perseverance. Paralympic athletes must overcome both physical limitations and psychological barriers. They usually put in tremendous effort to compete in the field. Egyptian table tennis player Ibrahim Al Husseini Hamadtou lost both arms in a childhood train accident. He then taught himself to play by holding the paddle in his mouth and serving with his foot. This unorthodox technique puts immense strain on his body, yet Hamadtou has risen to compete on the international stage, reaching the quarterfinals in his class at the 2020 Paralympic Games. Though he has yet to win a medal, Hamadtou's strong spirit makes him an inspiration and makes him truly exceptional.
Ultimately, disability is a complex experience that involves both challenges and triumphs, weaknesses and strengths. People with disabilities face undeniable obstacles and disadvantage, but they also demonstrate incredible resilience, creativity, and skill. Through recognizing and celebrating their full humanity and potential, we can break down stereotypes and create a more equitable world for all.