I am but a simple worker in the field, and there are a number of issues that I have come across that really get to me when working with the "disabled". I often, as I was taught by my parents, help anyone as a matter of courtesy. However, I am often forced to hold my tongue when an individual is being wronged as a matter of course in the society of the American Mid-West. I see people snickering, shoving, and laughing just because someone has some sort of physical or mental disability. This is a true problem, for it is seldom dealt with by anyone with in earshot. In some instances it is laughed at for being very funny.
I am equally outraged when an individual who has a slight handicap tries to milk the government for money. Many are able to do this with great ability, and are able to earn a living by doing nothing. That doesn't mean that no one should help. There should be monetary help for them, but there should also be help for them in finding some way to make money independently. There are many instances where someone has to overcome a mere obstacle. Helen Keller could not see or hear, and yet she was able to work past these problems and learn about the world around her. I have met a woman who lost both of her arms and the use of her legs, and yet she is a very skilled writer and an accomplished painter as well. She does this by manipulating the tools she requires with her mouth, and if you call her disabled she will give you a long list of reasons as to why she isn't.
The range of personal problems can be as common as being aged, or can be as difficult as in the case of someone who needs a wheelchair (or scooter) to get around. Unfortunately the individuals that I see having to hardest time are those who have a sensory disability, a mental disability, mental illness, or missing limb(s).
Is there no one who can find a way to help these individuals to be amongst others as they are, without threat of widespread bullying or being cheated? It is sad that there are people in our midst who are decidedly different from us and we are not able to accept them until they look or act like the majority. This includes the deaf who are forced to learn how to talk and are not allowed to learn sign language. While being able to speak like the majority can help an individual some of the time it is also necessary to know how to talk with ones hands when addressing someone else who is deaf and can't read lips. I have had the privilege to work for a deaf man who could only use sign language as a way of communication, other than having to write everything down to get a point across. He is very accomplished and knowledgeable about what he does for a living, more so than many who can hear what needs to be done in a mechanical shop.
If someone can get past their disability, let them. Allow them to embrace that which makes the different from the majority. For too long persons who are different in some way have been told that they can not be a part of the society in which they live. If even I were told that being bi-polar (amongst other things) made it impossible to hold a job I would have to laugh. I have worked in an automotive part rebuilding shop for over 6 years, and I have been licensed to work in the health care field. If my own disabilities were so bad how could I possibly be able to work in ether of these jobs, let alone at the same time?
Where would the world be today if Albert Einstein had been "normal"? Or Benjamin Franklin? George Washington? Gandhi? Thomas Edison? Franklin Delano Roosevelt? The list goes on and on, and yet few are willing to see beyond their own nose to gaze at the truth that is all around us. All of us have some type of disability, and most of us are able to live our lives without anyone even suspecting the truth.
It doesn't help that in many parts of the world if you are different from the "perfect looking person" you cannot get a job at all. Take China for instance, if you are so much as 2" or more too short the only thing you can do is pick up trash, if that. Even burying the dead requires some one to be a certain height. This should not be allowed to continue in the society in which we live. We all live in a global society, along with the cultural societies that are to be found all over the globe.
Do as you feel is right, even if you disagree with what I have said. I only write what I personally see as truth. I apologise if I have offended anyone with my opinion. I also thank you for your time in reading this "rant". Take care and good journey.
« return.