Thinking outside the box
It is more than reasonable to believe that it takes creative thinking to allow for some disabilities. It has been proven that our culture has embraced people with disabilities. It is pleasant to see that handicap parking spaces have evolved into a much needed social cultural change. Everyone tends to benefit from the use of sliding doors, wider stair rails and halls just to name a couple.
Sometimes it seems that people don't want to take the time to think outside the box. I guess that is due to the fact that thinking outside the box causes a thought process of creativity. Having a Deaf Austistic daughter myself has taught me to think outside the box on many occassions. She has very few communication skills so I was always trying to find ways for her to tell me things. We found that pictures are a big help. She can pick a picture to at least give me a idea of her needs. We as "normal" people have no idea what it is like to live with and experience the disabilities that others have no choice but to live with. We all have to feel blessed that we haven't had to deal with the loss of our hearing or sight or the movement of our legs or arms. Thank goodness society is changing and many of us out there are working to better the lives of the disabled.
Sharon,
"The most important item for the disabled person is simple consideration, and wonderful teachers and people who just don't take their abilities for granted." Wow! Can I quote you on that? Nicely said.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Thinking outside the box has really made a difference in so many lives. The small things that we all take for granted mean so much to people that are disabled. Such as the doors that open with a push of a button, ramps for wheel chairs. handicapped bathrooms and hall ways that are extra wide. The most important item for the disabled person is simple consideration. and wonderful teachers and people who just don't take their abilities for granted.
Sharon,
You are right. Having society accept that people can be different without being "less" has led to positive changes in expectations and available options that help all of us. I don't think many of us recognize how much people with disabilities have been hampered by ENVIRONMENT (as much as attitude) in the past.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
