In the past, people with disabilities were not seen as having much to contribute to society and were often times institutionalized. Welcome to the year 2011! Now, the disabled live and work amongst us. There are 49 million people living in the US who have some form of a disability. (That's 1 out of 5, folks!) So obviously the stereotypes are myths, because these people do have a future and they do have feelings!
They are not retarded, dumb, cripple, mute, or defective. They are people just like you and me. They are just different!
So, you ask what do you call an individual with a disability?? You call them women, men, boys, girls, students, your teacher, doctor, neighbor, friend, athletes, brunettes, blondes,church members, leaders, your Mom or Dad, your sister or brother, or and any other word you would call any other person.
I call him Noah.
(Note: I actually wrote this years ago but thought I'd share it in honor of CP Awareness Month.)
I like "No-No" or "Awesome boy," personally. But Noah works. :-)
ReplyDeleteI could say so much to this post... I don't have any physically challenged or mentally challenged children. I have a family member who is, but regardless.. stuff like this breaks my heart. I wish that people could see that just because someone is "different" doesn't make them any less special or less than. I know that I try to make sure that my kids know that it is NOT ok to point out differences in others in a negative way. Everyone with a disability has something to offer. To be honest, I think the people that make fun of others with disabilities are the ones with the REAL disabilities. :) Sorry, I read your post and it struck a cord with me.
ReplyDeleteClaudia @ http://faithfamilyhopeandlove.blogspot.com/
I give this post a standing OVATION!!!! Just excellent!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Jacque!
ReplyDelete