Final answer:
People without disabilities may feel anxious around those with disabilities due to uncertainty in how to act, perceptions of disabilities, or personal fears of disability. Stigmatization and discrimination can lead to reduced opportunities for people with disabilities. Inclusion efforts such as the ADA and community involvement are critical for social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
People without disabilities often feel anxious when interacting with people with disabilities because they are not sure of how to act in that situation, they find visible disabilities to be unpleasant, or they are reminded that they themselves could become disabled. These feelings can be attributed to the fact that disabilities can be stigmatizing, leading to individuals being labeled and ascribed a master status based on their disability, rather than being seen as a full person beyond their disability. Stigmatization can lead to discrimination and a reduced access to opportunities such as healthcare, education, and employment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant step in making society more inclusive, addressing the need for accessible infrastructure and opportunities for people with disabilities. Furthermore, many mental health disorders can affect a person's ability to engage fully in society, which is exacerbated by the higher unemployment rates among those with a disability. Understanding these challenges and actively participating in community building for inclusion of individuals with disabilities can be a means for social change and betterment.