There are a lot of myths about disability, and most of them are way off the mark. People often assume that being disabled means your life is limited in all sorts of ways. But in reality, it’s just another part of who we are. My partner Ajay and I have dealt with these misconceptions head-on.
Here’s what you’ve probably been told wrong.
1. People with Disabilities Can’t Date or Get Married
There’s this idea, especially in India that if you’re disabled, romantic relationships and marriage are off the table.
For women especially, this idea can be suffocating. I’ve often heard remarks about how, because I’m a disabled girl, my life is “ruined” since I apparently wouldn’t find a partner. Ajay, on the other hand, faced a different kind of narrative—people “reassured” him that he would find someone who would “take care” of him.
See the gender-based difference in how we were approached? These comments were often framed as concern, but they carried layers of judgment and pity.
When people saw us getting together, the reactions were mixed. Some couldn’t hide their skepticism, openly questioning how two disabled people could possibly live life together. Others were happy for us, but in a way that felt rooted in pity rather than genuine joy.
There were also the cool people, the ones who celebrated our relationship just as they would for anyone else, with genuine happiness and no unnecessary qualifiers. They were a breath of fresh air.
2. People with Disabilities Can’t Travel
Apparently, people think if you have a disability, you’re stuck at home. But we’ve have travelled all places, and even though we had hurdles, we learnt from them and we’ve had some of the best experiences. The trick is simple: research accessible spots, plan ahead, and communicate what you need. Sure, not every place is perfect, but we work around it and make it work for us. The world is a pretty big place, and we’re here to explore it.
3. People with Disabilities Can’t Have Fun
Another myth is that if you’re disabled, your life is basically one big snooze-fest. But guess what? We don’t need to be sitting in the corner waiting for life to come to us. We love dressing up, going out, and trying new things—whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway or a new hobby we’re exploring. Again, we might need to get creative about how we do certain things, but that’s part of the fun. It’s all about making memories and enjoying life.
4. People with Disabilities Can’t Work and Are a Burden
The idea that disabled people can’t work or contribute to society is another outdated myth.
Accessibility can be a challenge, but it’s not a roadblock.
Ajay and I have both found careers in fields we love. We’ve also found ways to work together, combining our strengths to complement each other’s work. We’ve learnt that adapting and figuring out what works is key. We’re both independent, and passionate about what we do.
5. People with Disabilities Are Always ‘In Need’ of Help
There’s this assumption that people with disabilities are always looking for assistance. While yes, we may need help from time to time—just like anyone else—it doesn’t mean we’re helpless. We’ve figured out our own ways to stay independent, from using tech that makes life easier to creating systems that work for us. We’re not waiting around for someone to rescue us; we’re just living life on our terms.
At the end of the day, disability doesn’t equal limitation. It means figuring out what works best for you, having a little creativity, and embracing the unpredictability. So next time you think someone with a disability can’t do something—whether it’s dating, working, travelling, or just having fun—remember that we’re all just living our lives, and we’re doing just fine.
This post is a part of the “International Day of Persons with Disability” blog hop hosted by Sakshi Varma – Tripleamommy. #IDPD2024Bloghop.
Access all posts of this bloghop here.
The Literary Affair 
This is such an optimistic and happy post. Instead of searching for light, you have become the light. Your blog teaches me look beyond hurdles. Kudos, girl for your unbeatable spirit!
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That’s such a beautiful thing to say. Thank you 😊
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This is such an inspirational post! Couldn’t agree more on the myth that people with disabilities should be stuck at home. This also leads to lack of common sensical accomodations that can be easily made to reduce the hurdles. They are not there just because ” no one ever asked.”
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Thanks for reading, Ruchira! You’re right. We still need to see a lot of change. The simple accommodations that could make a huge difference are overlooked in many places. Still, am happy to see changes coming up.
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Your journey of togetherness is inspiring. The beautiful picture says it all. This post has so much positive vibes.
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Thanks so much 🙂
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In a way, aren’t we all disabled? I was disabled by some of my attitudes and my life was miserable until I changed those attitudes. So I agree totally with you that disability is not equal to a limitation, it’s about how one deals with it. We’re back to attitude
Miracle is a change of attitude.
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This is such an honest comment. You are right. It is so much about attitude.
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Thank you Reubenna 🙂
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I would like to tell all people who want to be heroes and save someone with a disability, sit down. If anyone needs saving it is you. Apart from that, loved reading this post. As someone who has been working with you, I love how you don’t shy away from sharing the good and the bad. More power to you and Ajay ❤
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Hahaha I love that response Suchita. While they sit down, we’ll offer them tea and tell them to chill. Thank you for being a huge part of that support system that is the
cool people I talk about.
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This is so inspiring! You and Ajay show that life is about thriving, not limitations. Thank you for breaking stereotypes and spreading positivity! A powerful and uplifting piece! Keep Shining!
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This is such a powerful and uplifting piece! So inspiring! You and Ajay show that life is about thriving, not limitations. Thank you for breaking stereotypes and spreading positivity!
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Thanks Neerja. I am glad you enjoyed it
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Having followed your personal journey online and then your romance with Ajay culminating into marriage, I know for a fact that you busted all the myths that people associate with a person wit disability. Kudos to you and keep doing teh good work Leha!
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Thank you so much Preeti. You have always been cheering me on 🙂
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In the decades of existence, I have realised that life certainly isn’t a snooze fest. We all need to think, plan and act. Disability means loss of one function, not your spirit and one optimises the other functions, which means you develop expertise and special ability to handle stuff others can’t.
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Beautifully articulated. Disability isn’t synonymous with “no can’t do”. It’s just that persons with disabilities figure out different ways of doing the same things, ordinary, extraordinary, both!
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This is a motivational blog that reminds us all that while disability brings challenges, it doesn’t mean those challenges can’t be overcome. Thank you for this important reminder.
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Thank you for sharing this! I couldn’t agree more with everything you’ve written. These myths about disability are frustrating, but they’re also an opportunity to shift the narrative.
People often make assumptions without truly understanding the depth of our lives.
Traveling, working, having fun—none of these are off-limits. It’s all about adapting and finding what works best for us.
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Thank you for sharing this! I couldn’t agree more with everything you’ve written. These myths about disability are frustrating, but they’re also an opportunity to shift the narrative.
People often make assumptions without truly understanding the depth of our lives.
Traveling, working, having fun—none of these are off-limits. It’s all about adapting and finding what works best for us.
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ive been following your posts and i absolutely love how you both enjoy life. You guys are setting examples. This post is an eye opener that disability is not a hindrance people can still find their soulmate and lead a happy life.
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So well said, Jaideep
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Such an empowering and eye-opening post! These myths about disability need to be shattered. Disability doesn’t define limitations—creativity, independence, and resilience do. Let’s all embrace diversity and celebrate people for who they truly are, beyond the stereotypes.
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All five of your points are absolutely valid and true. This is such an inspiring blog. More power to you, Leha!
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All great points! Thanks for sharing.
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i really enjoyed reading the post and your points are precise.
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