How to Respectfully Interact with People with Cerebral Palsy

Author: Emily Cowen - Contact: Contact Details
Published: 2025/04/15
Publication Type: Paper, Essay
Topic: Disability Awareness - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: A firsthand account on respectful interaction with people with cerebral palsy, challenging stereotypes and offering practical advice for inclusive communication.

Why it matters: This article, written from the firsthand perspective of Emily Cowen, who has athetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy, offers a candid and insightful account of the social challenges faced by individuals with severe speech impediments. It is particularly useful for anyone seeking to better understand respectful interaction with people with disabilities, highlighting common missteps such as making assumptions about intelligence, invading personal space, or infantilizing adults. The narrative is especially relevant for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals, as it addresses the importance of patience, genuine communication, and the recognition of individuality. By sharing personal experiences and frustrations, the article provides practical guidance on how to avoid patronizing behaviors and encourages readers to listen actively and treat disabled individuals with dignity and respect - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

How Not to Interact with Someone Who Has Cerebral Palsy

My name is Emily Cowen. I have athetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy. This is going to be about having a speech impediment, but I wanted to share something that happened this past weekend. So, I was eating in a restaurant, and this middle aged guy walked up to me. He proceeded to pat me on the head, and explain to my personal care assistant that he works with "people like me", and wanted to say hi to me. He also exclaimed that he thought it was great that I was out. Okay, there are so many things wrong here.

Main Item

One, I don't know you, I don't care what you do for a living.

Two, there is no one like me, because there's not a carbon copy of me, and I don't have a twin. Everyone is unique, even when they are disabled.

Three, why are you touching me? Why are in my space? That means you don't respect me or my space. Do you go around patting other 25 year olds on the head? I really hope not.

Four, it is 2025, not the 1940's. A disabled person eating at a restaurant is not that spectacular.

Lastly, why are you interrupting my dinner to inform me on what you do for a living? Do you want praise for working with such mysterious, complicated entities of life... I mean disabled people?

Anyway, I wanted to explain what it's like to have a severe speech impediment. I talk about having a speech impediment so much because no one talks about it. I see so many disabled people making videos online or writing about their disability, but most of them speak perfectly, or just have a little speech impediment.

Most people think that I am not intelligent because of my speech impediment. Or they need to speak to me in this ridiculous, high pitched voice. Because I guess they think having cerebral palsy means that I'm deaf also. When I am having a conversation with more than one person, my voice gets drowned out basically, because it doesn't sound like the other voices. If I am persistent enough to make people stop and listen, one out of the four things usually happen. They either understand me the first time, I have to repeat certain words or the whole sentence, I have to start spelling out the words, or they just do the classic smile and nod, and hope that I don't notice that they didn't understand me. Here is a tidbit, to everyone that has done this to me, I always know. You are bad actors. Don't do that. Just ask me to repeat or spell. Also, please don't do that to other people who have speech impediments. It is rude.

The experience of having a speech impediment is really unique. You have to work so hard to express your thoughts, break stigmas of people thinking you are stupid or incapable. And it's very hard, I'm not going to lie. It is hard every single day. But that's why I have a YouTube channel, write pieces like this, and have dedicated over ten years of my life to disability advocacy, to give people with level four cerebral palsy a resource. Also to educate the people like I explained earlier.

So, to the able bodied people, or to the people who are lucky enough to speak normally...think about it a little bit next time you encounter someone with a speech impediment. We are smart. Speech abilities are not a measure of intelligence. Be patient, and actually listen. You might learn something.

Also, if you see me, please do not pat me on the head, or touch me in any way. I can't stand that. Don't touch me, don't touch my wheelchair. Not necessary. Thank you!

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: This information stands out for its honest, unfiltered voice and its ability to challenge ingrained social attitudes toward disability. The author's reflections serve as a powerful reminder that speech ability is not a measure of intelligence, and that true inclusion requires more than good intentions - it demands awareness, empathy, and a willingness to learn from those with lived experience. For anyone interested in fostering a more accessible and respectful society, this article is both a valuable resource and a call to reconsider everyday interactions. Cowen's voice is one that demands to be heard - not just because of the effort it takes for her to be understood, but because of the clarity and force with which she cuts through condescension and ignorance. Her writing doesn't just educate; it confronts, challenges, and reminds readers that genuine respect means listening fully, acting thoughtfully, and discarding outdated assumptions. Her lived experience is not a spectacle - it's a powerful, articulate call to treat disabled people with basic human dignity - Disabled World (DW).

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Emily Cowen. (2025, April 15). How to Respectfully Interact with People with Cerebral Palsy. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 21, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/cp-interaction.php

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