Advocacy for Disability

[Guest guest]

I have been reading the post on how we react to others curiosity or

possible rudeness when inquiring about our CMT. One thing to

consider, is the opportunity to be an advocate for all persons with

disabilities when this kind of situation presents itself. I have

recently been employed by the Arkansas Independent Living Council

and one of our biggest priorities is advocating a mainstream society

for all persons regardles of their abilities.

Although I know it is often difficult to not react in turn to a person who is

not educated in the etiquette of disability terms or mannerism, remember that

this is your opportunity to change the view of at least one person. (And you

never know who else may be watching or listening).

If we all educate one person everytime we run into this sort of situation,

eventually, it will bring about great change. Not just in that person, but

possibly in someone with a greater power to change our society. I think that

presenting the curious/rude with more

information to consider than just my distressed reaction is a more

positive result in the end. Believe me, I've wanted to tell people

to go jump at times when they are insensitive to my differences, but

it makes me feel much better to talk to them and try to educate them

than it does to assume their attitude. And maybe I'm making a

difference for the future - my chilrens future. If anyone is

interested in a copy of the " Eleven Steps of DisAbility Etiquette "

you can e-mail me privately and I will send you a copy to use with

the next Curious .