Mobility and Health Impairments
People in wheelchairs, with canes or crutches or obviously limited mobility are most likely to be acknowledged by the general public as people with disabilities.
Cindee,
I think you are probably right about the acceptance. I am old enough to remember when children with disabilities were NEVER in the regular classroom (always bussed off to special schools in the area), and so the other kids didn't grow up knowing anyone with a disability. It was always a new and uncomfortable introduction. Nowadays, children and adults with disabilities are so prevalent in our society that much of the shock factor (that kept them at arm's length) is gone. That doesn't mean that they are always accepted for their talents and abilities, but it does mean that they are not viewed as being out of place.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I find that these individuals usually adapt their abilities to function well within the classroom setting. Also, they are generally well accepted by classmates without disabilities on an overall basis.
Angela,
That's true -- and somewhat ironic. For many occupations, someone in a wheelchair can do just what anyone else can do sitting down! On the other hand, someone with the invisible disability of LD may need some adjustment to do the same job. The ones who often have significant difficulty in getting the support they need are those with health impairments. Not only is their disability not visible, but their need often fluctuates across days and weeks, and that is confusing to all concerned.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
