DjinniWhispers
"From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits"
Djinni Whispers Blog
“From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits”
Latest Posts
- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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What Defines Disability?
Disability: A term that often comes with a whole host of misconceptions and biases. Disability is also the only minority group that anyone can become a part of at any point in time for any number of reasons. In a world that in recent years has strived for inclusion, it is crucial that we understand what defines a “disability” and how it can encompass a diverse range of experiences from person to person, community to community.
At its very core, disability is not simply a medical condition or difference; it is the interaction between individuals and the societal barriers that hinder a person’s full participation in society and culture. Disability can be invisible or visible, physical or mental. Often, as I have experienced, it’s intersectional. Disability ultimately is a result of the world around a person not accommodating the needs of an individual which resluts in the inability to fully participate.
Disability is
Sinead Burke, writer, academic, activist and broadcaster.
articulated as a struggle, an unnecessary burden that one must overcome
to the soundtrack of a string crescendo. But disabled lives are
multi-faceted – brimming with personality, pride, ambition, love,
empathy, and wit
As I have stated numerous times, I will keep saying it till I am blue in the face; with suitable accommodations, nearly anyone can work, play, and participate fully in society. All it takes is a modicum of empathy.
Understanding Disability
Here in the United States, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as the ADA, disability is commonly defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This is one view. A comprehensive definition goes beyond the surface, encompassing not just the individual’s limitations but also the social and environmental barriers that inflame these limitations, providing a more holistic, fully immersive understanding of disability.
The Social Model
The Social Model of Disability is a powerful alternative perspective that shifts the narrative from individual limitations instead to societal changes. It illuminates the potential for societal changes to accommodate the needs of all individuals regardless of ability. According to the social model, disability is not really caused by illness, difference, or injury but by the way our society is structured and functions. The social model advocates for societal changes to remove barriers and create inclusive and welcoming environments for all people.
Inclusivity and Community
Inclusivity is all about creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability or struggle, can participate fully in society, culture, and life. It is about recognizing that everyone has unique strengths and ways of contributing to this world. Society at large should not be a one-size-fits-all life. Instead, we as a society must find compassion for our fellow humans. The disability community is rich with diverse experiences, talent, and perspectives that can enhance everyone’s collective experience. By fostering inclusive environments, we can allow everyone to shine and contribute meaningfully to this world and community.
Positive Viewpoints and Uplifting Stories
It is a well-known fact that positive representations of disability are essential to changing social perceptions. And not just for non-disabled people but for disabled individuals as well. By highlighting the achievements of disabled people, we can challenge stereotypes and inspire others.
For example, athletes like Tatyana McFadden, who is a Paralympic champion, and advocates like Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, showcase talent, resilience, and the importance of disability visibility. Great thinkers like Isaac Newton(suspected Autism), Einstein(suspected Autism), Temple Grandin(Diagnosed Autism), and more are all representative of what disabled people are capable of. Children and Adults alike need to see representation in all facets of life.
For example, I always assumed someone like me, with hearing loss, could never work in direct patient care medicine like nursing or doctoring. Thanks to TikTok, I learned that is, in fact, not the case. A video by a deaf/hard-of-hearing nurse showed that there are stethoscopes that have digital readouts for a pulse and can feed directly to hearing adjuncts of choice to allow deaf physicians and nurses to take vitals. I was mindblown; I shouldn’t have been. We can make the world fit everyone’s needs with just a little effort.
Breaking Barriers
I believe that in order to build a more inclusive society, we need to tackle both physical and internalized prejudice barriers. This involves ensuring that buildings are accessible, providing suitable accommodations in workplaces and schools, and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding from a very early age. We need to as a society, make it socially unacceptable to reject employees or guests accommodations requests. We need to make accommodations so normal as to be expected, not so rare that they are celebrated when they occour.
Although the ADA is younger than I am, society, and especially employers still have reservations about the idea of making accommodations. Small changes like creating accessible websites and organizing inclusive events can have a significant impact.
Stereotyping in media needs to be called out and rejected. Tropisms around disability are often harmful and do not address the intersection between disability, race, gender, culture, and belief. Nothing is cut and dry or simple, and to be successful, we must hit the problems from multiple angles.
Embracing Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is an essential part of the disability conversation. Although technically a disability, neurodiversity does not have to be seen as one. The definition behind neurodiversity and the conversation around it emphasizes the variety of human brains and minds, recognizing conditions like Autism and ADHD as natural variations rather than deficits. Embracing neurodiversity means seeing those differences as valuable and supporting neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Historically, neurodivergent brains are the mavericks that move society forward. Make it better. Change the future.
Building a Better Future Together
The journey toward building a better, more inclusive society is ongoing. Even with setbacks, we are making positive changes. It requires collective efforts and a commitment to change by the majority. By educating ourselves and others, advocating for policy change and reform, and fostering inclusive environments, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can live fulfilling and empowered lives.
Conclusion
Disability and the conversation around it are complex, multifaceted, and nuanced concepts. They extend well beyond medical definitions to include social and environmental factors. It is my hope that by adopting a more inclusive and optimistic view of disability that focuses on ability, we can break down barriers and build a community that values and supports every individual. I and others like me drive. Let’s embrace the diversity of experiences and work together as a community to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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