A Guide for First Responders Flip Book - Arizona Department of ...

Myths and Truths
It is important to differentiate between myths and factual information regarding people who have
access and functional needs. Here are a few of the more common myths and the supporting truths.
• Myth - A person who has access or functional needs is sick or has something wrong with them.
Truth - Access and functional needs include more than disability or sickness. Access and
functional needs can also include transportation needs, language differences, cultural
differences, age issues (the very young or the elderly with impairments), and more.
• Myth - People who have access and functional needs have a poor quality of life.
Truth - People who have access and functional needs can have a high quality of life and often
do not see themselves as having something “wrong” with them.
• Myth - People who have access and functional needs are easily identifi ed.
Truth - Not only are individuals who have access and functional needs not always easy
to identify, but in many cases do not identify themselves as a person who has access and
functional needs or a person who has a disability.
• Myth - People who have access and functional needs require help with everyday tasks.
Truth - Many people who have access and functional needs are extremely self-suffi cient.
Truth - People who have access and functional needs are their own everyday emergency
managers.
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