April is
Autism Awareness Month. According to the most recent statistics by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with an
Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are months and days dedicated to a myriad of
disabilities, all with the intent to raise awareness. There is even a month
meant to raise awareness of disabilities as a whole. But a recent blog by a
parent with a son that has Autism (
What
I learned from my autistic son) has pointed out a key word in the various
awareness months:
Awareness. For such
a simple word, there is an important distinction to be made.
Merriam-Webster defines awareness
as “having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge”. With every
“awareness month” we make society knowledgeable about that disability. We increase the perception of the
disability. But what more does that
accomplish? Do people gain a better understanding of the obstacles we face?
Does it stop them from questioning the accommodations we request, the actions
we take, and the assistance we need in order to be independent? I’m sure these
days, months, and weeks of awareness all open people’s minds to think about the
various disabilities in a new way. Maybe they even think about it for the first
time, or gain a perception they didn’t have before. But shouldn’t we want more
at this point? Don’t we deserve it?
I was raised to look past how a
person appears on the outside and focus on who they are on the inside. I was
taught to accept differences and
understand that normal is never
attained. No one completely conforms to a certain type or standard. There are
differences in all of us. They should be celebrated and welcomed because they
play a part in making us who we are. They help shape our beliefs, passions, and
ideas. Without differences, how would we develop; how would we innovate and
create? I doubt life would be very interesting.
We are learning to accept people of difference races,
religions, and sexual orientation, among others. We’re not perfect by any
stretch of the imagination. Racism and bigotry still exist. Such hatred,
ignorance, and intolerance probably always will. But if we can grow as a society
to understand, to become aware of
these differences between people… if we can grow to accept others for who they are, regardless of race, religion, and
sexual orientation, why is it so difficult to accept people with disabilities? Are we less deserving of respect
or rights?
The reality is that any of the
groups listed above, and others not listed, can become a part of the
Disability Culture. Having a disability can be genetic or acquired. But people
fear the idea that they might become less of who they were. They view
disability as a set back, a hindrance. They focus on the potential negative
aspects and perpetuated stereotypes so much, that they forget an important
point. We can choose who we want to be. Our dreams can change. We can adapt to
our circumstances. Millions of people with disabilities do this and more every
day. We hire assistants to help us get out of bed; we get tutoring or extended
test time in college to reduce stress and distractions; we seek counseling and
support. We recognize our obstacles and we overcome them, not because we are
some special brand of inspirational heroes. Everyone has obstacles in their
life. We do these things because our obstacles require it. We do these things
to maintain our independence... to be successful and contributing members of
the larger community.
Awareness is important. I won’t deny
that people need to learn about different disabilities and expand their
perception. But I think we have also reached a point when we must accept each other and celebrate that. Acceptance of my disability… of who I am…
of what being a person with a disability means to me, and the pride I take in
it… that’s what I choose to focus on when my disability day/week/month comes around.
What about you?
