[ Home | Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Cobert, Marc, Helene, Adam, Joe, Cindy. Apprentice Artist
Advisory Committee. VSA arts NM
Date: 21 Jun 2000
Time: 17:09:36
Remote Name: dialup455.nmia.com
Mainstreaming does not work, I keep fearing that I will be judged. I keep being told that I am too messy. I am not judged on myself but on my appearance. There is this common misconception that people with disabilities are all the same. We (People with developmental disabilities) are not the same as people with just physical disabilities. We are not included as much. People that walk around are not like us. They have something wrong with them but you can't tell, it's harder to see.
(Is anger a part of the culture?) Yes, they think that I am no use. It's not what is on the outside that matters. Don't stop me from doing what I want to do, I get angry if I am restricted. I feel angry, I am angry. I am frustrated. I feel smart but not as smart as other people. I can do stuff, I jst can't do it sometimes. I can get it but sometimes it's hard. People get mad.
(Does a disability culture exist?) (Group discussed what culture might mean.) It's not necessarily a culture, just aperson and what they feel like and how they get around. The way they react to their disability. I don't wish to walk around and be 'normal'. We don't need to learn and change, 'normal' people do. I am not as comfortable around people without disabilities. I am too afraid of freaking people out. They get mad that my hair is not washed, I don't eat properly. I would rather be around people like me. We are more in touch than other people. We don't freak about the small stuff. It's not how we eat and drink. Treat people how you want to be treated, it's no wonder that we're angry. We are all disabled, we are all human, we all have difficulties. People say to me "Be neat, be clean, wash your hair. I need my basic needs met first!". People without disabilities consider their feelings more important than ours. They say things that they would never say to their friends.
(Is there a sense of humor that is specific to a 'disability culture?) Yes, we laugh at people without disabilities sometimes, at the things they say to us.
(Would you choose to be yourself with a disability if you had the choice?) Yes, no, sometimes. (Group had a mixed response) You get paid, don't act like you're doing me a favor.
(What about integration?) That should be a personal choice, not something that you have to do. I may not want to integrate. I can be fulfilled without mixing with people without disabilities. I am more comfortable with people like me. When we are told to 'integrate' we are told that weare not good enough to stay with our own friends. Sometimes I want to mis, but sometimes I don't. Why is integration a goal? I am good enough, my friends are good enough.