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Index Number: 26307

[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

MJ>   Some we may feel are bigots aren't really--they just haven't seen
MJ> any examples to change their opinion.
MJ>   We need to do two things: 1) Get out of the closet and admit our
MJ> differences while being competent in what we do (I'm one to talk--have
MJ> always worn long pants to cover up my braces!) and 2) figure out how we
MJ> can make our country--and its people--keep their sense of self-worth.
MJ>   So how do we accomplish what we want instead of  _complaining_ about
MJ> the injustice that we see?  Any ideas, anyone?

   Two views:
   People with disABILITY are often discriminated against.   The best
possible solutions to a particular situation must be the PERSONS choice,
if and when they reveal their abilities, we must learn to trust peoples
sensitivities regarding the daily situations they find themselves in, not
doctors, politicians, or well meaning family members or friends.  Though
these persons can give support, they often have their own agendas.  The
PERSON usually has the best views lets support and encourage them.
   Having said that, I must agree that (Bigots aside) CONTACY, on a daily
basis is REQUIRED to desensitize the public at large.   Our
infrastructure MUST reflect accessability to begin to minimize the
DISabilities and begin to allow the ABILITIES to show.
   An example:
   I was stationed in Hawaii for two years with the military (lucky
stiff,) long enough to begin to adapt to the tropical dress and
attitudes.   Many people there had NEVER seen or walked in the cold or
snow in their LIVES.   A sign of this was the almost complete absence of
signs (and attitudes) condemning the practice of not wearing shirts(Men
usually) shoes and underwear(men and women).   It was truely amasing to
this northern bred person, you could go almost anywhere, even the BEST
restaurants or shows, and shoes were not required.   Sandles in fact were
the rule.   Knowing that in our northern area, shoes and shirts are
required for many establishments, and being aware of some of the reasons
pandered about (Health code violation? Unsanitary?,) I asked a couple of
natives what they thought.   Some said it just never occured to them
(having little if any contact with Persons with shoes), why should it?
Others expressed the viewpoint that wearing shoes actually was an
UNHEALTHY ACT, similar to wearing gloves all the time may be viewed.
   What I am getting at was and is still true.   If with our WORDS or
ACTIONS we don't begin to include people of all types (including People
with disABILITIES),we will continually be faced with the attitudes of
"oddity" that keep ALL people from living together as one.
  INCLUSION IS THE WORD TO LIVE BY.   ACCESSABILITY IS THE WAY WE DO IT!!!

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 X JABBER v1.01 X If you don't speak out now...."THEY" will speak for you!

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