They're just like us

            All my life I have been exposed to people with disabilities. In fact, my younger cousin has a disability; he's autistic. Regardless, it never occurred to me that there was anything wrong with him, probably because there isn't. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn't see it this way. Countless times I have heard people make comments about people with disabilities. I even hear some people making fun of people with disabilities, as if they chose to be that way. Having a disability isn't a choice, if anything it's a test. People with disabilities inherently have a more challenging time doing just about anything than people who don't have a disability. However, it isn't the disability that keeps them from doing different things, it's the stereotype they have. Just like Nancy Mairs wrote in Disability, "It’s not about a woman who happens to be physically disabled; it's about physical disability and the determining factor of a woman's existence." For people with disabilities, the possibilities aren't endless. After all, the very definition of the word disability, as defined by dictionary.com, suggests that having a disability creates limits: a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

            Recently I have been getting more involved in activities meant to help people with disabilities. There are numerous events held for disabled people that are meant to help them experience normal activities. In fact, I recently went to a dance held for people with disabilities. Being at an event like this was truly eye opening. Going to this dance helped me to bond with other kids who are just like my cousin. Talking to other kids with disabilities helped me to get to know them, looking beyond their disability. These kids have the same interests as me: they play games, eat pizza, play with their pets, even complain about school. People say that kids with disabilities are different, some even say weird. But how can you say that when you don't know them? When all you know is that they have a disability? But, how does having a disability affect your personality? It doesn't. Maybe we look down upon people with disabilities because it makes us feel powerful. Maybe we do it because it helps us to deal with the fear that at any moment we could become just like them? Maybe we just do it because that's what society tells us to do?

Here is a podcast I made with my cousin about disabilities:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3_Tlawl9DToVzd5bGpNYWVQeWZfTXZHVG9BY1FYaWJLT00w/view?usp=sharing