These attitudes come from cultural practices and norms. They are also a result of belief systems that children with disabilities are demon-possessed, cursed, or even have lesser intelligence that "normal" children.

Socialization plays an important role in fostering these attitudes as persons are cultured to believe that something is "wrong" with a child that has a disability. Children are taught to treat them differently and so the attitudes are perpetuated.

Education is key to changing the mindset of individuals. When persons are taught how to treat others with respect and see each individual as an equal, then the reframing of perspectives will be seen.

Being empathetic can also play a role in challenging the status quo.  When you reflect on how you would feel if it was your child, it gives impetus to change. The golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated should be a guiding principle for inclusion.

I remember interacting with a student that teachers had labelled "slow." In fact, his mother had bought into the rhetoric and whenever we interacted in parent/teacher conferences, she would say, "Miss, remember he slow eh." One day in our discourse, I told her, "Who diagnosed your son, and told you he was slow?" Stop referring to him like that and start seeing him as a child with a wealth of knowledge and potential." Speaking positively to that child and working with him on a one-to-one level did wonders for him. He improved and eventually passed the high stakes, SEA examination and is now employed as a police officer. Just giving the child a sense of self-worth and boosting his self-esteem contributed to him having confidence in himself and excelling.