Presuming Competence

DEFINITION

Presuming competence means assuming that every person — regardless of communication, motor, or cognitive challenges — has the capacity to learn, communicate, and contribute, until evidence demonstrates otherwise. It means giving the benefit of the doubt.

WHY IT MATTERS

When competence is not presumed, people receive watered-down education, limited opportunities, and inadequate communication systems. When it is presumed, people often exceed expectations dramatically.

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

Presuming competence is not naive optimism. It is the ethical default — the same presumption extended to anyone whose ability has not been assessed. The burden of proof should be on demonstrated limitation, not assumed limitation.

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