4 WAYS TO TAKE THE DIS OUT OF DISABILITY

Everyone has a disability in one form or another. Yes, statistics indicate that over fifty six million people in the United States live with a "disability" but what about the countless others that are not documented? The fact remains, everyone has a disability in one form or another. These four easy steps will help us take the "dis" out of disability which will in turn cultivate a new meaning in our lives and the meaning we place on the lives of others.

We hear so much about inclusion, but the first step in taking the "dis" out of disability starts with us. When we realize that we have certain limitations in one form or another, it sure puts a new spin on our view toward disability.

As a legally blind person, I am well aware of the "us" and "them" mentality in our society. For example, if I apply for a job, I'll read on an application a question that may read like this: "Do you have any physical or mental disabilities that would preclude you from performing the job?" Although these do not represent exact words, this is in fact what the employer wants to know. I've seen this while in public while trying to read signs. People are quite aware that I have some sort of disability, but what are these people missing?

It all amounts to this. When people start to realize that they have limitations in one form or another, then the normality in our society starts to over shadow what so many see as abnormal. Why does it seems strange they notice someone looking close to see, another person using a wheelchair in a movie theater, or the young adult making strange sounds while eating lunch with their family in a mall food court?

We don't seem to give a thought to certain injustices, prejudices, or mistreatment of friends and family which represents a social limitation. It all boils down to the need to realize that everyone has limitations whether physical, mental, emotional, social or spiritual, yes spiritual. Taking the "dis" out of disability starts with this huge step, realizing our own limitations and those of others as simply limitations.

I've heard people say to me that the reason people with disabilities are treated so unfairly is due to lack of education. I couldn't agree more, and the second step in taking the "dis" out of disability lies in education. How we educate determines how well we tear down these different barriers. Fortunately there are quite a few organizations out there who continue lead the way in education, but it doesn't end here.

As individuals with various limitations, we need to educate the public on an individual level. How do we accomplish this? If someone asks a question kindly educate them in a helpful manner. We react in different ways to people places and things we don't understand or that feel uncomfortable to us. So when we meet someone in this same situation, let's kindly educate them and allow their unnecessary fears or stereotypes to dissipate.

When I lived in Chicago, I got off the train one afternoon and headed down toward the food court for a quick bite to eat. I used a small binocular device so I could read that pesky menu way across the counter and above the ceiling it seemed. Someone asked me about it and I kindly explained that I'm vision impaired and I need this to read signs that are too far away. I think they felt bad because of the comment they made about it, but I used a little humor to ease their mind. "I don't have to explain anything to anyone!" I could have thought, but why?

We don't owe anyone an explanation about our limitations if someone discovers them or we disclose them. We don't owe anyone anything I could word it such a way. However we have an opportunity to do two things. First we have a golden opportunity to interact with a person, ask about their day, perhaps make a new friend. Second, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the normality of our limitations in such a way as to tear down barriers. What a wonderful opportunity! We have so much power to influence someon's life in such a positive way. We need to run with that opportunity.

We finally admitted that we have limitations and accepted the fact that it's time to educate anyone new to our limitations. Now it's time to take the final step, destroy barriers.

Disability organizations work hard to destroy barriers and over the past eighteen years, we can see how much ground they covered,but it doesn't end here. I'm talking about an individual level here in reference to barriers. To do this requires us to take it upon ourselves to make a difference in the lives of people around us. Sure the organizations might cover more square footage, but it's not about millage. It's about one step at a time to tear down barriers. This should happen on two levels.

First this begins with us individually. If someone approaches us and notices our limitations and our possible struggle with them or perhaps our victory over them, we have the open door put before us to tear down that social barrier. This person then does the second thing and tears barriers down, barriers of misconseption. These two steps educate both of us which then creates a team effort in the tearing down of barries. We can do it.

OK one final note about taking the "Dis" out of disability. We mentioned limitations, education, barriers, but we cannot forget one important step, accepting our limitations as a tool used to reach our full potential. A carpenter uses a hammer among many tools. We can use our limitations as tools in order for us to reach our goals. Put that hammer in your hands and start building a future full of potential. Pour the cement and lay that foundation. With our limitations in full view and our potential as the end goal to which we strive, taking the "dis" out of disability means ability plus potential. You will be in my thoughts as you read this. Take that tool and uncover that potential through your abilities.