What Is a Disability?

[Chris Rathje]

Even though I'm about to try to answer the question how I see fit. I also humbly ask the question to anyone who is willing to submit to the debate.

I have friends who do not appreciate the word disabled at all. For whatever reason it does not bother me. In general, labels don't bother me for the most part. I know I have my weaknesses in certain areas but this is not the forum for that discussion. Other people I know appreciate phrases like differently able, but that does not appeal to my sensibilities. Isn't every person on the face of the earth differently able from everyone else?

I know this is a inefficient, but I usually take the time to fully describe my circumstances especially for people I've never met in person. I always start out by saying that I use a wheelchair to get around. If further explanation is necessary I go on to explain my hands don't work so well especially in dynamic situations. In the rare case this is not enough I also explain I deal with balance issues and muscle spasms.

I rarely mention I have cerebral palsy to people who have limited disability knowledge because I have had some very odd reactions in the past. On multiple occasions I have had people tell me that I am lazy or there is something wrong with me because I can not walk. Strangers have told me they know someone else with cerebral palsy and they can walk, so I should be able to as well. Some do not understand that cerebral palsy is a very broad term.

Can't that be said for disabilities as a whole? My "disability" has given me so much. A short list of attributes includes a tenacious attitude, a wiser spirit and a passion for wheelchair sports that has pushed the rest of my existence on this wonderful planet.

I will freely admit I do many things poorly compared to norms. However I ask a simple question. Who is more disabled when washing clothes? A man who refuses to get off the couch and help or someone like myself who will offer the productive contribution of poor loading skills and atrocious folding skills anytime he is asked.

Food for thought. Thanks for reading!
Chris

[Erin]

Well said Chris!

I have a neice who has CP - her case is severe. Her mother spends a lot of time trying to explain to people why another CP patient can walk and talk, and her daughter can't. I am always astounded by some people's ignorance, as if somehow she's managed to convice her 8 yr old to pretend she can't walk, talk or feed herself, all so her mother could get all that attention *rolls eyes*

I agree, it is the heart, and the effort, that counts! I love your attitude, thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. Sometimes we able-bodied folks need a wake up call!

[Karl Martin]

Chris,

One of the most difficult things to do is to try and communicate through writing as we are doing here, so please forgive me if I do not come across sensibly or with sensitivity with respect to this subject.

I have been fortunate in life not to have experienced any physical handicaps unless being five and a half foot tall, and having to wear glasses most of my life, is considered a disability for a man (it means being limited to perimeter shooting on the basketball court and no slam dunks). However, I believe, in order to be happy in life, one must accept what physical and mental attributes we have inherited or experienced, especially if they involve a “handicap” of some nature. Please don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that if one is considered to have a disability they shouldn’t try their hardest to go beyond it; what I mean is that one needs to comes to terms with it and be comfortable with their body (and mind). From reading your posts, it sounds like you have accomplished this. I truly hope this is the case.

I do not want to make this next statement sound like I am trying to minimize the suffering that someone with a severe disability has had to endure or somehow lessen its significance comparatively. However, I feel that most of us, perhaps even all of us have a disability in some sense of the word to a degree. It may not be visible, in fact it may not even be known, except to the individual themselves. Let me give an example. Personally, I know that I could never stand in front of an audience or a large group of people and try to speak (coherently at least). I know the feeling of fear and embarrassment that comes when words can’t be found or expressed, even with a smaller group of people. Whether this is due to shyness, or a mental disability, if I can use that term, I don’t really know. However, there are many people who can speak in public, seemingly effortlessly. It might not be appropriate to call what I just described, a disability, however, we all have obstacles to overcome in life, whether physical or mental and no matter how large or small.

In response to your question about who is more disabled, someone with a disability who tries, compared with someone without motivation, I think the answer is obvious. People who don’t try, remain stagnant in life, while those who do, are an inspiration to others.

[Dawn Molina]

My POV as a paraplegic for 35+ years.

Anyone with some sort of physical limitation learns all human beings have limitations, some are just more obvious than others.

I understand why lables such as "disabled" and "handicap" exist but I preferred to been seen as a paraplegic who is chair mobile. I think its a far more accurate description of who I am and what I have to deal with.

I think the words "disabled" and "handicapped" come with a BOAT LOAD of stereo-types and I find stereo-types more inaccurate than not, even misleading. Not to mention that those words are very vague and general. What I have to deal with as a L4/L5 paraplegic is drastically different from someone with CP, MS, T or C quad, blind or death...etc etc etc. Never mind people with mental illness/disabilities

Now if I have to chose I prefer "disabled" simply because yes in its basic meaning of "dis-able" (meaning unabled) I am unable to walk. In that sense its accurate.

I never feel "handicapped" however. I dont like that word. Period.

I feel like me. I feel very whole. And I just happen to be chair mobile.

And those of us with physical limitations know just how big a spectrum the "disabled" world is.

Just this woman's personal experience and .02