Want to try our resources? Sign up for our 14-Day Free Trial

Demo & Training
Business & Organisations
Terms & Conditions

Do assumptions do more harm than good?

29th November - 06th December 2024

Back to results

54505

Total votes

12892

5-11 votes

41613

11-16+ votes

To celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, voters reflected on the assumptions that are often made about people with disabilities, and the potential issues these can cause. They also discussed the Government’s now inactive “Ask, Don’t Assume” campaign and its subsequent backlash, and heard testimonies from those with disabilities who have had assumptions made about them by others.

Primary 7-11, Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Do assumptions do more harm than good?”, while Primary 5-7 voters considered: “Should we be more careful about assumptions?”

54,505 young people in the UK have taken part in this vote.

Age 5-11 voter

I think assumptions can be quite harmful at times because they can offend others. This is because you are setting a limit on someone's abilities without knowing.

Age 11-16 voter

Assumptions aren't always helpful and can be limiting. Things like badges and the sunflower lanyards have been useful in reducing assumptions and subtly highlighting hidden disabilities.

Age 11-16 voter

Students felt that assumptions were good for self preservation and that they can change their assumptions when they learn more information.

  • 5-7-year olds were discussing the question, "Should we be more careful about assumptions?" and 90% said 'Yes'
  • Meanwhile, 7-11-year olds, Secondary, College and 16+ students discussed the question, "Do assumptions do more harm than good?" and 82% voted 'Yes'

  • Secondary students mostly argued that assumptions do more harm than good, with many arguing that we shouldn't assume someone with a disability isn't capable of achieving something.
  • Others stressed that some disabilities are invisible and so it's just as important to not assume a person doesn't need support or accessibility options.

  • Whilst most young people thought assumptions had mostly negative consequences, some did feel more positively about them
  • For example, some students said assuming rather than asking can be kinder and more polite
  • Others warned that if we make people worry too much about saying the right or wrong thing, it could prevent important conversations from taking place
results