SAILING HANNAH

So this has been a little bug-bear of mine for a while now….

Throughout my career I’ve always been afraid of the first impression, of the perception that people have of female sailors, let alone a disabled female sailor! People would take one look and assume that my disability is a limitation, that I’m not that strong, that I can’t lift anything, let alone winch something!! They couldn’t be further from the truth….

I think its the same whether its disability, gender, ethnicity or literally anything… we say we’re not judgemental, but I think we all are to a certain degree.

First impressions matter. They shape our initial judgments and often dictate how we interact with others. Yet, when it comes to disability, these first impressions can be laden with misconceptions and biases. It’s time to challenge these perceptions and change the narrative around disability.

All too often, people judge a book by its cover. They see a person with a disability and make assumptions about what they can or cannot do. These snap judgments are not only unfair but also limiting. They reduce individuals to their disabilities, ignoring their abilities, potential, and unique qualities. When you look at someone in a wheelchair, what is your first thought? 

Instead of making assumptions, we need to have conversations. We should engage with disabled individuals, listen to their experiences, and understand their perspectives. Most people with disabilities are quite open to these conversations, they are after all; human beings just like us. This approach fosters mutual respect and understanding, allowing us to see beyond the disability and appreciate the person for who they truly are. 

Stop Telling, Start Asking

One of the most damaging things we can do is tell disabled people what they can and cannot do. This not only undermines their autonomy but also perpetuates stereotypes and biases. I still find this to be a problem, even in 2024.

I ran a course recently with some coaches, and we had some disabled sailors for the session. One coach looked at a female athlete in a wheelchair and spoke beyond her to her carer, stating that as she was in a wheelchair, she would have to sail a certain type of boat, aimed specifically at disabled sailors.

Why?

Why not ask the sailor what she would like to do?

Why not question how we can facilitate that?

I was questioned only last year as I arrived at a reservoir towing a coach boat, ready to start a session: “Who will be driving the coach boat for you?” Now I don’t know if the question was related to my gender or my disability, but that snap judgement either way is not acceptable in this day and age. Yes I have a disability, Yes I am a woman, that doesn’t mean I am not an incredibly capable coach or rib driver.

I might be a bit too vocal about this, but I am no longer tolerating being spoken down to as a disabled person, nor am I tolerating the same for those I support and represent.

I received a video just a few days ago that shows a volunteer from a very well known Sailability group speaking to 2 disabled sailors in frankly the most condescending manner, like their disability was a limitation. This attitude is no longer acceptable, and I am not afraid to call anyone out when this happens. 

Instead, we need to be asking questions and having open, respectful dialogues. We should be supporting peoples aspirations and empowering them to define their own limits and possibilities, not simply dictating them based on snap judgements.

Challenging Perceptions

Changing perceptions starts with challenging our own biases and those of others. It requires us to actively question the stereotypes and assumptions we hold, and it means recognising that disability is just one aspect of a person’s identity, not the entirety of it.

In my TED Talk, I emphasized the importance of not judging a book by its cover. I encouraged viewers to look beyond the surface and to engage with individuals on a deeper level. This message is more relevant than ever. 

Let’s stop judging books by their covers.

Let’s challenge our perceptions and engage in meaningful conversations and most importantly action.

To everyone who has watched my TED Talk, I urge you to revisit it. To those who haven’t, I encourage you to watch it and reflect on its message. Together, we can change how we view disability and make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.

First impressions matter, but they should be based on understanding, not assumptions. Let’s make the effort to truly see and appreciate the person behind the disability.

So this thought to end the day, there’s more to a lot of disabled people than just their disability.

Look past it, trust me, I’m capable of so much more!