04 June 2009
Kate McGarvey
I used to have very negative ideas about what being disabled means.
The first person to challenge my negative thoughts about disability, pointed out that people who wear glasses are, in the literal sense of the word, disabled; they are physically unable to perform a physical function without an aid; they need glasses to correct their vision.
The second time that my views were challenged was by a counsellor. She asked me whether I had known anybody disabled growing up and I answered no. Then on further reflection, I said that I suppose there was my Gran, she was housebound due to severe arthritis, and needed to use a wheelchair or scooter to go any distance outside. And then I remembered my auntie, she was born with just two partially formed fingers on her right hand. The counsellor then asked me what I thought of as disabled and my answer was Stephen Hawkins!
I had not thought of either of my relatives as being disabled as they both lived/live life to the full. When my gran died, aged 83, there were over 100 people at her funeral, because she had such an impact on other people’s lives. My auntie still works as a primary school teacher.
At last I acknowledged that there is a whole spectrum of disability in which we are merely a shade. I personally feel that the more brightly coloured our accessories are, we are helping to eliminate the stupid negative images of disability such as those that I used to hold.
Show everybody that being disabled doesn't mean being sad!