The importance of normalizing disability as a spectrum.
Disability is a spectrum!
Many blind people still have some vision remaining.
Someone in a wheelchair may still have some use of their legs.
A deaf person can often hear to some degree.
We've been taught this black and white, all or nothing ideology about disability, but that is RARELY the case!
Here's an example of why it's SO important that we normalize disability as a spectrum:
I'll be walking my dog, Teva, while using my white cane and a stranger approaches. All of a sudden, a certain nervousness becomes present. I feel conflicted, wondering if I should acknowledge them and say hi, or if this person will immediately judge me and think that I'm not really blind and "faking it".
I weigh my options: should I pretend that I can't see them to avoid what could be an awkward exchange? Or, should I look at them and say hi to be friendly?
If this person were to understand that 90% of blind people have some vision remaining, it would be completely normal and socially appropriate for us to have an interaction. However, it's more likely that they believe that blind = no vision, and they would be confused if I were to acknowledge them while walking using my cane.
You feel me?
Now, I'm a disability life coach. I've done the work and know that despite other people's reactions and perceptions of me and my blindness, I am confident in myself and my disability.
Although the thought pops up of "should I even say hi?" I always do, because I'm confident in being my full, authentic self in EVERY scenario, even if that may make others a bit confused or uncomfortable at first.
Most people with disabilities have those same worries I explained above, but they don't have the mental skillset to notice the conflict arising, accept that they're feeling it, and actively choose to stand up, and be their full selves regardless. And so, many people with disabilities end up masking their disability as a result.
It's so important to note that when you treat people with disabilities with the understanding that disability is a spectrum, it has a greater impact on the disabled community as a whole, because it changes how disabled people move and interact in the world, and with themselves.
I hope that this share was helpful to you, and that the next time you meet someone who is disabled, you keep an open mind that your understanding of their disability may be different than the reality of what their lived experience is truly like.
Thanks for reading and being open!
Let's make this world a more inclusive place together. ⚡
Sending love,
Charlie