I am a feather ruffler and proud of it...
In an effort to bring about a new way of thinking about disability: What they bring to us rather than what we bring to them I am aware that feathers get ruffled. People don't like their feathers to get ruffled! Having others look in from the outside is unsettling. People do not want to think in terms of changing their behavior when the action is presented to them.
My thoughts constantly go to: "What am I doing that is wrong?" when my message is not received in a way in which I hope it to be. Sometimes the answer to this question is "nothing" with the realization that changing policy and attitude is difficult, painful even. People will only change what fits into their own concept of right and wrong. "I'm willing to change this, but don't even ask me to look at that."
I have wondered why this is. In the work I have done to get people to think about disability in a different way I have heard the following defenses: "We don't have the resources, it's too expensive." "We don't have that many people affected to warrant such a change." "We're doing enough already." I recognize these as valid concerns but ones that can be addressed with an attitude of willingness: willingness to grow past limitations, discover alternate and creative solutions and elicit the help of others along the way.
I hope you will remember the expression in the disability community: "Not about me without me." If you do not have those with disabilities and their families serving in key roles in your change process you may fail. These people may serve as feather rufflers, do not be afraid.
Blessings on your journey...
Monday, January 26, 2009
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