Thank you for featuring Y in your JDIN post. We can help Y and others like him by introducing them to the independent living philosophy. Here are some core concepts.
Disability is not “The Problem”
We who have disabilities know that while health issues can be severe, the ongoing challenges involve the architectural, transportation, communication and attitudinal barriers that we face.
A Difficult Attitudinal Phenomenon:
When I am with a nondisabled friend, it is common for waiters to ask, “What would he like to eat?” To many health professionals ask, “Why is he here?” Even some clergy and other educators address our non-disabled companions in our presence as if we the disabled have become children.
I pray that Y has the fortitude to withstand the challenges mentioned above, and that Howard and others constantly espouse the independent living philosophy in Israel and elsewhere.
From Rabbi Michael Levy:
Thank you for featuring Y in your JDIN post. We can help Y and others like him by introducing them to the independent living philosophy. Here are some core concepts.
Disability is not “The Problem”
We who have disabilities know that while health issues can be severe, the ongoing challenges involve the architectural, transportation, communication and attitudinal barriers that we face.
A Difficult Attitudinal Phenomenon:
When I am with a nondisabled friend, it is common for waiters to ask, “What would he like to eat?” To many health professionals ask, “Why is he here?” Even some clergy and other educators address our non-disabled companions in our presence as if we the disabled have become children.
I pray that Y has the fortitude to withstand the challenges mentioned above, and that Howard and others constantly espouse the independent living philosophy in Israel and elsewhere.