We are all Human

Hey Blog buddies :)
How have you all been? Over here in Canada, the leaves are turning a crisp yellow as they fall majestically onto the sidewalk, being trampled on with a crunch. Don't you just love autumn? The canvas of colour in the forests, and the feeling of completeness. It's all so majestic.

Well, I've recently been taking a class at my University on theories of disabilities (in particular developmental disabilities). It has come to my attention that individuals with disabilities face prejudice,  segregation and insults in ways we interact with them that we are completely unaware about. Has it occurred to you that the way we address individuals with disabilities, the tone we speak to them with, and our body language sometimes results in offense and rudeness? Sometimes we consider; oh, if they have a developmental disability, they don't understand how to process such things. But let me tell you, they understand. There was this one boy that I was working closely with, and he told me this: "you know, I really hate it when people speak to me like I'm a little boy who doesn't understand what's going. Can't they just talk about hockey?" This came from a boy about my age. 19 or so, and has a developmental disability.

I thought I'd make a brief (or not so brief) point both advocating for individuals with disabilities, as well as those who are without disabilities.

First off, no one can say which is the better life to live. We can only say a life without disabilities is more convenient because of how society displays it. But to say one is a blessing over the other just shouldn't be said at all. That is a personal experience, and to be completely honest, no one will really be able to accurately tell you which is better. One may appear more convenient than the other because of how society accommodates them, but nonetheless; we are all humans living life. The one thing that does matter is that you have life. Life itself is a gift to all. Each and everyday that passes with you waking in the morning, living your daily activities, and an end of crawling into bed is a good day, a day of life, a day worth living.

Now as an advocate for those who are facing a life with disability, I can say this is a major thing. I know in the health field (which is what I'm in school studying) seems to be more of a problem which some of you might find interesting. Anyhow, enough rambling; to get to the point. People First language. Simply put, we are all individuals. We are all people. We are all human. This disability does not take away from that. We are equal. I am just as human as you are. There is no difference. To categorize individuals as a disability is frequently seen "on the streets" and in medical clinics. You often hear, "the Down's in Rm289" or "That autistic boy on the playground". Sometimes it is necessary to bring forth the awareness of the disability for the safety and concern of the individual. However, it should not be used in substitute of an address. People are not solely their conditions, even if their conditions are part of their identity.

In turn, as I have advocated for individuals who face this problem of being categorized and titled, I must also advocate for individuals who are speaking subconsciously on these matters. Sometimes, it's not brought to our intention on exactly how we ought to treat individuals with disabilities or what form of language is appropriate. It's not an act of rudeness but more of an act of ignorance and lack of understanding. Perhaps it's the fact that we need better education and exposure to the awareness of what is appropriate and appreciated by the families of those with disabilities as well as the individual affected. Individuals within society can't be the one and only blame for the rudeness that has developed. In fact, over time society as a whole has been changing and learning how to create adaptable environments for individuals with disabilities. Society will get there; we just need time, exposure and experience.

To be completely honest. This message is just for you to be aware. Have you chosen a poor set of words to title someone, or looked at someone the "wrong" way recently? Is there something that you must train yourself to do now because subconsciously you are already making rude body language based remarks? By no means do I mean to insult any of you, but I think it's a good reminder to look at ourselves in the mirror instead of constantly at others, and think "what needs to be done? Was what I did really necessary?".

Wishing you all the best! It's midterm season for me! Stress is the least of my worries! Remember to eat well, sleep well, and be well! Mental and physical health are what make an efficient individual. Sorry for the lack of music this time, but I will make up for it in the next post <3

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging It ~ JoLee