disAbility

I saw this quote on actor RJ Mitte's Facebook page. I knew I had to write a post about it.

 "A disAbility isn't a weakness its knowledge and strength."RJ Mitte'

There are still people who view a person with a disability as someone who is to be pitied, someone who cannot contribute. Someone inferior. The reality is that people with disabilities lead perfectly normal lives, yet we have to work twice as hard to be accepted. The world we live in is not made for people with disabilities. We encounter obstacles every day. They range from physical barriers to the attitudes of people who judge us solely because of our disability. They judge us based on what they see, rather than trying to get to know the person we are.  In my opinion, they are the weak ones.  

We know about perseverance because of the rejection we have encountered. I read about a young man with Cerebral Palsy who was rejected approximately one hundred times before he finally got a job. I cannot imagine what strength and courage it took for him to continue to apply for jobs. He persevered until he finally got the job he deserved. I was told I'd never get a job, but I was determined. I succeeded by creating a position for myself. 

We know about responsibility. When I taught computer classes I was responsible for getting a substitute to teach my classes if I was ill. If I did not get a sub, I  had to find time to make up the classes. I rarely missed class. I was only late once in sixteen years. I knew that my students deserved to get what they paid for. I did everything I could to make sure they had a positive experience in my class. 

We know about empathy. People with disabilities can empathize with the difficulties others face. We face challenges every day. Everyone's challenges are different, if we can put ourselves in another person's shoes and think about how we would feel, in their situation, then we can understand. everyone needs to be empathetic toward each other. Not judgemental. No one knows the challenges another person may be dealing with.

We know patience. People with disabilities have learned that tasks may not be completed on their timetable. Patience is necessary when you depend on other people to assist you in your life

We know about gratitude. When you have a disability and need assistance you are grateful for things most people take for granted. I am grateful when someone answers my call light in a short amount of time. I am grateful that there is someone to get me out of bed, help me to the bathroom, and help me dress for the day. I take nothing for granted. I say thank you all the time.

The word disability has the word ability in it. Don't get stuck only seeing a person's disability. Don't focus on what they can't do. See them as a person. Focus on what they can do. 

There are days when I am tired.  Tired of making sure that my needs are met.  Tired of waiting. I have no choice but to keep going. People with disabilities are strong because of their disabilities. We face challenges. We persevere.  

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