With disability, curiosity is not a bad thing
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It always strikes me when people have a question yet hesitate to ask it.
In my opinion, questions are a good thing. They create a better understanding about our world and the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. Still, for some reason, many of us are too afraid to satisfy our curiosity because we don’t want to sound unintelligent or create an awkward situation.
I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation where we think “I should have just kept my thoughts to myself…” Regardless, I think we can all agree that we learn a little something when we decide to speak up.
Throughout the month of October I will be discussing myths that people have about disabilities. My first has to do with curiosity and children but quite honestly it can and should be expanded to everyone, not just children. This week’s myth is: children should never ask people about their disabilities.
It’s quite common for people with disabilities to be out and about and hear parents say “shhhh” or “be quiet” when their children ask them questions about my disability or wheelchair.
Although I realize their intentions are good and a parent’s reactions are caused out of fear of offending someone with a disability, I wish people would just ask. A disability is a part of someone’s life. It’s not something to be ashamed of. Besides, isn’t it better for people to ask questions than wonder or assume?
One of the biggest attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities is assumptions. Most of society is familiar with the image of a person in a wheelchair who is weak and dependent, but they are not familiar with a person who has a disability that is strong, active and functioning member of society.
In order for the image of a person with a disability to change, questions need to be asked. It’s okay to wonder why some of us move around on four wheels and it’s okay to ask how a person with a disability does daily tasks.
Truthfully, most people with disabilities are open about their lifestyle. When questions are asked, it gives those of who have a disability a chance to demonstrate that every disability is different in the same way that every person is different. We all have different strengths and weaknesses so a disability can affect each person in a different way. In the end, however, we have more similarities to person without a disability than differences.
As awkward as it may feel, you should want to know the truth. It is the truth, not assumptions that allow us understand, learn, form our own opinions and relate to those around us. It’s no secret, the more we are aware of our surroundings and our beliefs about disabilities, the more prepared we are to look beyond medical circumstances.
sdeible@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
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