·        MYTH: Employees with disabilities have a higher absentee rate than those without disabilities.

FACT:  Studies by firms such as Dupont show that employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.

MYTH:  People with disabilities need to be protected from failing and should not be employed in positions that might harm them.

 FACT:  People with disabilities have the right to participate in the full range of human experiences including success and failure. Employers should have the same expectations of, and work requirements for, all employees.

MYTH: It is acceptable for non-disabled people to park in accessible parking spaces for a short time.

FACT: Because handicapped parking spaces are designed and situated to meet the needs of a person with a disability, these spaces should only be used by people who need them.

 MYTH: People with disabilities always need help.

FACT: Many people with disabilities are quite independent and capable of giving help. But if you want to help someone with a disability, ask first if they need it.

MYTH:  Persons with disabilities are inspirational, courageous, and brave for being able to overcome their disability.

FACT: Persons with disabilities are simply carrying on normal activities of living when they drive to work, go grocery shopping, pay their bills, or compete in athletic events.

MYTH: All persons with hearing disabilities can read lips.

FACT: Lip-reading skills vary among people who use them and are never entirely reliable.

MYTH: People who are blind acquire a “sixth sense.” 

 FACT: Although people who are blind may use their remaining senses more fully, they do not have a “sixth sense.”