There are two common mistakes often made when communicating with people with disabilities. The first is “patronizing” —sometimes described as “talking down.” The second is “pitying.” I have yet to encounter anyone who makes these mistakes with ill intent. However, I would like to ask: just as many of our automatic behaviors unintentionally hurt those around us, could these also be inadvertently hurtful to some? Beyond causing harm, could these attitudes reinforce societal bia