I really related to the ablelism article, as well as the class discussion today.
I have always thought of disability on a spectrum, yet I feel I am often grouped into the category of "disabled" despite not identifying as such. I am lucky, I can "pass" as a completely healthy, abled-bodied person. Like the reading discussed, I am often hesitant to disclose to others- specifically teachers, and peers that I am nearly blind in one eye, I struggle with severe anxiety disorder & I have a disease that has & will forever limit my functioning as a "normal" person. Once I tell people, they often treat me differently, question my ability to succeed, or look at me in amazement because I look "normal" & they "never would have guessed there was anything wrong with me". I dont consider there to be anything wrong with me, most people with my disease are profoundly disabled both intellectually and physically- and I do not feel limited significantly in daily life.
One quote in the reading that I really connected with is when the testimony that discussed how people were always saying how he/she had flourished despite their disability/ disease. The speaker said he/she was who she/he was BECAUSE of their body, not despite it. Although I am not profoundly limited in movement or intellectually, I relate deeply to that comment. I have accepted that I have some mild brain tissue damage that has made me pretty bad at math & spacial conception, I have reoriented my long-term goals because I cannot travel abroad to all the places I want to see,as it too risky, and it is a possibility that I cannot have children as it will have serious implications for my health and well-being. That is NOT a reason to pity, or feel bad for anyone. People are strengthened because of challenges/difference, it is not a reason to feel shame or self-doubt. It is a reality just as real and substantial as anyone's.
My reality is different, I cannot live the typical teenage/young adult life or typical middle class future, and in the future I could (and very well may) lose my vision in both of my eyes & have other complication. But I am not sure anymore that I would trade my life for someone who is healthy. Not only do I not self-define as disabled or diseased (despite what formal establishments may say) I feel connected to life and my appreciation of life/health/mobility is deeper than a "normal" person- I know I could have been far more inhibited, but I am not. Life is fragile, & not something to be taken for granted.
VIDEO watch it!:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lujfjhQXLfk
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You make some excellent points. One of my friends has some intellectual challenges and instead of being negative about it-he embraces what he has! He can remember EVERYTHING there is to know about football. He may not be able to do math but he can tell you what team went to the superbowl, what year, if they won or lost, what their season record was, literally everything! He has never dwelled on what he "can't" do but has made some great friendships and has created a lot of smiles because of what he CAN! Truly inspirational
This is interesting because, I have had a hard time connecting with the ableism issue. I believe a lack of understanding this issue, on my behalf, is due to poor education in understanding ableism. There are so many varying degrees of disabled fucntioning, whether it be physical or mental. I believe the transition from unacceptable behavior throughout history to the treatment of the disabled, has caused an environment in which we are too safe and careful around disabled populations because we wish to see them succeed, but in doing so I realized that we treat them different. I question the fine line between making sure accomodations are met and treating populations differently. I believe that together, we can achieve to diminish the effects of the social stigma of the disabled and the need for people, such as yourself, to question your personal honesty with others due to negative feedback.