As an advocate, I am not comfortable when the general media calls a person with a disability "a story of inspiration" and " accomplishing a heroic feat." These terms in my opinion are offensive and actually put down a person with a disability. A friend of mine who has a mobility impairment said that a person with a disability is either looked at as a "hero" or "as shit" by the community. She said an individual with a disability needs to be looked in the "middle" as a person just like anyone else who does not have a disability.
How about if articles labeled a person without a disability as a TAB-Temporarily Abled-Person when writing about their issues in the general media? How would the community respond to this?
Many healthcare professions also believe that motivating their clients to arise above their disabilities by performing "extradordinary" feats will make them feel better. This is wishful thinking and can actually cause more harm than good. What about if this person does not accomplish this "feat' than what?
I have been actively advocating that "Disabilities" become part of the "Committee on Healthcare Disparities" for minority groups in Massachusetts. At press time, I don't if this legislation was pass to include "Disabilities" as part of this committee.
What do you think?
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
http://www.robbinmiller.vpweb.com/
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