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Original poster

To be utterly bemused by SCOPE advert

27 replies

MissClarke86 · 19/09/2016 21:57

I've just seen an advert made by Scope, informing people on what to do if they meet a disabled person. It basically tells people to say hello and act normal.

I really, really don't understand why this needs to be an advert. Who in their right mind ignores a disabled person? And if you do, surely you're so much of a twat that an advert telling you otherwise will make no difference to your rudeness anyway.

OP posts:
Champagneformyrealfriends · 19/09/2016 22:01

I saw this earlier. I was Hmm

It would never occur to me to hide under a table instead of saying "hello". Having said that I wouldn't meet someone with a disability and behave any differently than when I meet someone without a disability.

It's a really strange advert.

HorridHenrietta2 · 19/09/2016 22:02

I've just seen this too and thought wtf???
Why do people need a special advert telling them to basically act normally around a person with a disability.
I found it baffling and patronising.
Anybody know what the reasoning behind it is?

Original poster
MissClarke86 · 19/09/2016 22:03

That's what I thought Champagne.

I'm just not sure who the target audience is really.

Most people wouldn't act differently, and those that would won't change because of this advert.

OP posts:
lightgreenglass · 19/09/2016 22:04

People do it without thinking.

There are lots of people out there who would cross the street than engage with a disabled person. I'm deaf and the fear that comes across people's faces when they meet me sometimes is laughable.

Scope have great adverts and social media campaigns which are always highly shared by the disabled community. It's our everyday lives which shape these adverts / campaigns.

Velvetdarkness · 19/09/2016 22:05

My friend is a wheelchair user and when we're out I notice people talk to me and not her, or even talk to me about her as though she can't speak.
People do need this advert.

If you want a baffling advert though check out the one for the Nissan Leaf.

NotMyMoney · 19/09/2016 22:06

When I went to a job interview as a carer in a nursing home I was asked "we have the curtains closed at 8PM what would you do if the resident didn't want the curtains closed" obviously I said I'd leave them open.

My cousin had downs and the amount of people who would talk to my aunt about what he would like/want/need was outstanding she would tell them he had his own mind!

unweavedrainbow · 19/09/2016 22:07

I'm a wheelchair user. People DO act differently though. They speak to the person I'm with as if I can't answer for myself. They do a patronising head tilt and ask if I'm "ok". They ignore me. Sometimes they even move my wheelchair without asking. There was a thread all about this a couple of months ago. Some people-lots of people!-have no no idea at all how to act around a disabled person.

lightgreenglass · 19/09/2016 22:08

Oh god yeah, the talking to the non-disabled carer as a proxy, that's fun too!

lightgreenglass · 19/09/2016 22:08

Assumed 'carer' / friend etc etc

Original poster
MissClarke86 · 19/09/2016 22:14

Wow, I'm genuinely surprised by how bizarre some people react around disabled people. Clearly the advert has a purpose after all! I guess I'm just not its target audience.

I hadn't really thought about the "subconscious" hiders who it might jump out to.

OP posts:
Amummyatlast · 19/09/2016 22:14

I once attended a meeting where a disabled guy was accompanied by his parents. I was unbelievably pissed off when I saw that others in the meeting addressed their comments to his parents rather than him. So yes, I would say there is a need for this type of advert.

ShatnersBassoon · 19/09/2016 22:17

I've seen awkward exchanges loads of times, with people unnecessarily using a carer as an interpreter and so on, so it's definitely a thing.

Presumably it's a confidence issue rather than a deliberate shunning of disabled people, so hopefully the advert will make people feel like they need to shake themselves and be normal with everyone.

Thatsmeinthecorner2016 · 20/09/2016 01:33

Many people don't know how to behave to a disabled person. They seem to believe it's contagious if they only look at them or treat them like they just got ill now or like they are mentally disabled too.

FeelingSmurfy · 20/09/2016 01:38

A lot of people just avoid anyone who has an obvious disability because they feel a bit embarrassed. It's silly but it's true! They don't know how to be, what to say, whether to offer help etc and worry that they may come across badly if they do it wrong so they choose not to interact at all

It's like when a child asks about something and the person they ask may be willing to talk about it but the parent ushers them away because you shouldn't ask. Not everyone will like to be asked but children aren't being cruel, they ask questions so that they can learn

joangray38 · 20/09/2016 01:41

When I was in a wheelchair recovering from a serious spinal injury people woul talk over me to ask my mum/ friend etc did I want ... I have had people cross over or ignore me because they are embarrassed to speak to me or on the other side of the spectrum have been called a disabled freak or disabled benefit scum., so yes adverts like this are needed.

FeelingSmurfy · 20/09/2016 02:42

I experience a bit of all reactions because depending on the day and how far I need to walk, I may be walking unaided (but parking in disabled space) using a stick, using a zimmer frame or in a wheelchair (only if I'm not on my own, need it more than I can use it)

Unaided - bad attitudes to me sitting when others have to stand and parking in disabled space.
Stick - bit of "trying it on" but mostly ignored
Zimmer - I have people go out of their way to barge past me to get somewhere first, refuse to move etc. Also some really helpful people that I don't get with other options
Wheelchair - ignored, if I try to speak they don't even listen or look, it's like they can't hear me but I'm right in front of them. Will ask questions to whoever is pushing me

I think its worse because I'm only nearly 31 now, so more people think I am pretending because apparently young people don't need walking aids. I also have mostly invisible conditions, and look young for my age.

I have been refused help in the past because I'm too young, it's only available for over 70s. They were not budging at all so I argued that it's a service for people who are disabled and struggle getting out "yes but you are only 29" I said that's great news that my age means I'm no longer disabled, could they tell my body that. She did have the decency to blush then, went in back room and returned saying it was fine

sashh · 20/09/2016 06:40

It's like when a child asks about something and the person they ask may be willing to talk about it but the parent ushers them away because you shouldn't ask. Not everyone will like to be asked but children aren't being cruel, they ask questions so that they can learn

Yep I've had a parent try to shush a child who asked "Why does that lady have a walking stick?" I just told him my legs don't work properly.

I think it is a great advert.

Pagwatch · 20/09/2016 06:45

It happens all the time.

It's a good advert. I'm staggered posters don't know how utterly normal it is to walk around with a person with a disability and to find they are routinely ignored and that many people actively avoid contact.

People really don't know that?

phillipp · 20/09/2016 06:53

I think the advert has good intentions and it's an issue that needs tackling.

However it comes across as someone teaching children. Personally I would have preferred the advert to be along the lines of treating people with disabilities the same as everyone else.

A four step plan on how to introduce yourself to a disabled person is very odd in my opinion. I have a disability, and it does effect how people interact with you. However, I am not fan of the advert itself.!

RollerGirl7 · 20/09/2016 06:54

The advert is needed.

I get there's a lot of hostility here towards people who don't actually normally to disabled people but wow there is a lot of hostility!! In general when people tell their kids not to point, ask about wheelchair or direct questions to carers they are doing what they think is best and what subconsciously comes naturally to them.

If I saw someone with down syndrome and thought I was quite servers (which I'd probably assume based on how they acted) I would probably just naturally speak to the carer.

I appreciate this isn't good and makes disabled people feel patronised so the advert (and his thread) have done it's job.

I will try to be more conscious of what is a fair way to treat people but please remember most people are trying to be nice and don't understand they are doing something that would upset you.

I hope this advert causes people to change their behaviour andd treat disabled people normally

Scentofwater · 20/09/2016 07:07

I'm ashamed to say it's probably people like me that it is aimed at. I have never, ever been deliberately rude to anyone (and obviously wouldn't hide under a table ha!) but I do often feel embarrassed and uncertain what to do when I meet a disabled person. I'm terrified of getting it wrong, saying/doing the wrong thing and offending someone so I'm aware I may appear rude as I can't stop myself behaving slightly awkwardly. The advert was funny in its absurdity (hiding under tables etc) which is an effective way to make a message memorable. And although it is very sad that such adverts are needed, it does spell it out. So hopefully I will remember it next time, smile, relax and say hi without being so afraid of inadvertently offending someone.

HorridHenrietta2 · 20/09/2016 07:10

Pagwatch no that really hasn't been my experience at all. I do know quite a few people with disabilities and everybody's just getting on with their lives and being friends with them. I'm sorry to hear that people can be that daft around another person just because they happen to have a disability!!

Original poster
MissClarke86 · 20/09/2016 07:23

Phillipp I think you've explained it well.

I understand and support the intention of the advert, but found the delivery of it bizarre.

The way they've made it a 4 step plan (like if someone is having a stroke) makes it seem like a piss-take. It almost makes disabled people out to be a special type of person who require this special 4 step instruction to communicate with. I don't feel like that really is treating them the same as everybody else.

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 20/09/2016 07:32

It possibly depends upon the situation and the disability.
Many people are very cool but there are arseholes.

In general I would also advise people to be wary of assuming that because they never see it, it doesn't happen. Huge chunks of people are great and just get on with it. But some people are terrified and socially awkward about it.m

ShotsFired · 20/09/2016 07:47

There was a radio ad on a while ago that used to drive me bonkers because it was so awfully handled.

The theme of the ad was that mental health wasn't something we should brush under the carpet, it should be as "socially acceptable" as any health issue like a cold or a bunion. Seems reasonable, right?

But they fucked the advert right up into a clumsy and awkward mess. It went something like this:

"Hi Dave"
"Hi Sheila"
"Good to see you again Dave. HOW IS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH NOW AS YOU WERE ILL WITH DEPRESSION BEFORE?
"Thanks Sheila. MY MENTAL HEALTH IS MUCH BETTER. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TABOO SUBJECT INTO THE OPEN."