The Capacity for Human Adaptability

While human beings have become more accepting and understanding toward people with disabilities, there is still a stigma associated with being disabled. Many people are unsure how to deal with people with disabilities, view them as less than complete, and even think they must be miserable due to their conditions. As a result, many baby or patronize them in situations where it is unnecessary or even offensive. What has been made clear by many people with disabilities is that they want to be treated like everyone else, not just because it makes them feel good, but because many do everything they can to overcome and adapt to their disability. The human body and mind has an incredible capacity to adapt, and some who face the great adversity of disability adopt a mindset that allows them to pursue their goals and lead normal lives in spite of their disabilities. The speaker we had come to us two lectures ago uses a wheelchair, but does not let it define him. Rather, he has had an immense impact on the lives of other people who live with disabilities, educates many on how to treat people with disabilities, and has proven that despite his condition, he is able to live a life of excellence. He recounted stories to us of a female friend who is on a respirator, missing limbs, who has advanced to executive positions in her career through her grit and refusal to be defined by her disability. With the aid of assistive technology, people with disabilities have been able to actualize their resiliency to succeed, and because of this, there is no need for any of us to look at or treat them differently; many of them can do everything we can and more.

 

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