Creating more informed conversations around disability

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The word disability is still quite misunderstood in the mainstream. Working with a team comprising 80% deaf colleagues has taught me how important it is to create more awareness around how disability is viewed primarily through the medical model as opposed to the social model.

Over the past 2 years, our team has been working to change the perception of the mainstream by creating a platform to showcase both models within real world settings. For example: we are working to create more awareness around Australian Sign Language (Auslan) via courses, entertainment, skill development workshops, etc.

This simple step has created a very different approach to how we engage with organisations and the state government agencies in South Australia. Especially when it comes to creating equitable opportunities whether it be for employment, access to services, and social & community access for persons who identify as differently abled (as opposed to disabled).

I'd be interested to know what other members have encountered in their respective fields when it comes to disability.

Disability Awareness Training
Business Process Improvement
Opportunity Mapping
Megha Abraham
67 months ago

1 answer

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The term "differently abled" as opposed to "disabled" is a revolutionary message which indeed can be used to change the negative and dysfunctional perception of people.

Over the years, terms like "people living with disabilities", "people with special needs", or more specific ones like "physically-challenged", "mentally-challenged", "hearing-challenged" and "visually-challenged" have been used. In some cases, the word 'challenged' is replaced by 'impaired'. Terms like 'handicap', 'crippled' or 'deformed' are generally considered derogatory.

To me, these are all social constructs conditioned by religious and cultural values, attitudes and beliefs; definitely not science. Autism and dyslexia, for example, are better managed in elementary schools today because of better understanding, training of teachers and adaptable learning environment. Cerebral palsy is another condition that is getting better attention with improved social support systems.

We need to know that the human being is endowed with many faculties; in physical, psychological, emotional, mental and spiritual capacity for learning and interaction with people and the environment. Albert Einstein and many others who became renowned for their talents had unique developmental challenges which otherwise would have been mistaken for "disability".

Indeed, the term "disabled" is a social, economic and political stereotype and mental construct from the pre-21st century era. Accidents, hereditary or genetic condition and ageing can lead to various kinds of infirmities and impairments. Even lifestyle can cause metabolic disorders and nobody term them as being disabled. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Diabetes and Cancer don't make people become disabled neither does Sickle Cell Anaemia and Albinism.

It is a complete misunderstanding, misinformation and maltreatment of people. Although it is necessary to continuously identify people 'differently abled" to provide them with the necessary developmental support they need to achieve their optimal state of wellness, well being, intellectual and social adaption. Labelling anyone as "disabled" is an act of discrimination that must be stopped!

Adeshola Kukoyi
67 months ago
A bit harsh but well said - Dr. David E. 62 months ago

Have some input?