There’s a certain form of prejudice that people with disabilities have to face every day. Some people come across as if they are pitying or mocking, or as if they want to avoid the subject altogether. And when they see someone with a disability, they may think “What if it were me?”

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little awareness and understanding, people with disabilities can be a part of everyday society. Just keep some things in mind:

• Being different isn’t a negative thing

Most people don’t like being different or standing out. However, when you live the life of someone who is different, you learn it can have its advantages.  People were made to be different. In fact, if we were all the same, the world would be a boring place. But being different isn’t always easy– you can often feel alone when you’re dealing with something like a disability. “For those who have a disability, it is important that they know they matter and that they contribute to our society in special ways. Therefore, we must be mindful of their unique place in our world,” said Fluvanna County Schools Superintendent Gena Keller.

• You can’t judge someone based on looks

You hear it all the time; “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But do you really know what that means?  The world is full of people who are highly successful despite their disability. Look at some of the most famous people in the world: Albert Einstein–who is believed to have had a mild form of autism–became a world-known physicist, while Walt Disney had a learning disability but still had amazing story-telling abilities. “It doesn’t matter what disability you may have, what background you may have come from, or what others think, there is no limit to your own potential,” said Fluvanna County Special Education Director Katrina Lee.

• Disabilities can happen to anyone

You never think it can happen to you, but the truth is, anyone can end up with a disability. We never know what the future holds for anyone. Accidents and diseases can happen to anyone at any age, leaving your life changed forever. The lesson to learn is that bad things happen to people. Never think you are exempt.

• It’s okay to be curious

Go ahead, ask your questions. The questions are a thousand times better than the stares. Most of the time, your questions are those that a hundred people before you have had. Just don’t be rude. Don’t ask a question that you wouldn’t want to answer, and try to gauge the comfort of the person you’re talking to. If they seem uncomfortable, drop the conversation.

• Help is sometimes needed

When you have a disability, you learn early you’re going to have to ask for help. You might be hesitant at first, but you learn quickly that it’s okay to ask for and receive help. Everyone needs help in their own way, even that famous athlete you look up to, or the President of the United States.  It’s unavoidable and part of the human experience.

We can all say life with a disability can be difficult, but the lessons that come with that life lead to experiences that only a hand few of people get to have. While people with disabilities have it hard, their everyday life could be so much easier if the world as a whole saw them as equal members of society.