Accessible Insights Blog Posts

The headline of this article caught my attention: "Twenty years of the ADA and discrimination still a major problem."

Curious, I took a look at the article, and disagreed with much of it. Then, even more curious about the source of the information, I read the actual survey from which the article was derived. While I always find social surveys interesting in the same way that I may find the blurb on the back of a book jacket interesting, like the book jacket, these surveys seldom tell the whole story.

My main complaint about this sort of information dissemination is that one can manipulate numbers to look like just about anything. I once saw a t-shirt that read: "Only lawyers and painters can change black to white." Well, it seems to me that special interest groups and statisticians can do the same.

I do not disagree with the premise upon which the article or the survey finding is based, namely, after twenty years; we’ve still got a long way to go before we catch up to our non-disabled counterparts. No argument there. A few of the findings, though, made me wonder if the results reflected my own reality, or that of my readers.

One generalization with which I took particular umbrage was the notion that a significant percentage of people with disabilities do not participate in family or social activities. The survey states that this "once again suggests there are significant barriers to access to leisure activities." Really? That seemed odd to me. Would that lack of involvement really be due to a disability? Lack of access to movie theaters or restaurants? Or, could it have something more to do with a person’s own sense of self-esteem, lack of open communication or social isolating due to depression, grief or feelings of unworthiness? If that is the case, is it fair to say, "I don’t participate in family activities because I’m disabled"? Or, "I’m not very social because of my disability and the lack of access to restaurants"? It seems to me that this would be related to one’s level of optimism, attitude or outlook on life, and I know plenty of people who are not disabled who are socially inept or who have a nonexistent family life.

There were other factors which were used to measure quality of life and overall satisfaction, such as poverty, education, access to technology and employment. A cross section of individuals was surveyed, numbering approximately one thousand respondents with disabilities, and a similar number who were non-disabled. Where it was not possible to survey a person with a disability directly, an appropriate proxy was surveyed.

Employment still seems to be the weakest area of progress. The survey revealed that only 21 percent of people of working age who are disabled are employed. In fact, that number seems to have slipped a tad, although I wonder if it might have a little something to do with the fact that our economy is languishing like a trout on a boat deck right now. Might that number be just a little misleading? Could the number also be lower because more people with disabilities actually may have started their own businesses? I’m just asking here.  None of my friends or  acquaintances who are disabled are unemployed. At least, none who want to work.

As for technology, the survey suggested that 85 percent of non-disabled persons accessed the Internet, while only 54 percent of those with disabilities do. One might conclude that this is due to lack of access, increased poverty, or lack of education. I don’t buy it. I just don’t. First of all, poverty should have nothing to do with Internet access, you can connect for free at any library. Lack of education should have little to do with it, there are about 300 million Twitter users alone who can tell you everything you need to know. I didn’t go to school to learn how to use the computer. Most of my contemporaries didn’t, either. There was no computer education when I was in school, because there was no Internet, and not many desktops, either. At least, not one in every home in the 1980’s, when I was in school.

Surveys like this do absolutely nothing to further the interests of the disability community, in my opinion. They draw a very dark picture of life, implying that things are so much more terrible for us because we are disabled. This dim view can only add to the groundless paranoia, irrational fears, superstitions and negative stereotypes held by the non-disabled. Considering that ten percent of the survey respondents were either unwilling or unable to participate in the survey, and that a "qualified, appropriate family member living in the household" took the survey on their behalf, how can even the hope of accuracy be more than a distant dream? Ten percent is well within the margin of error on most polls, and when an individual is being surveyed about such subjective issues as quality of life, isn’t that a question only one person can really answer? How is someone who is not me supposed to judge the quality of my life?

What do you think? Does this survey finding reflect your own reality? Please comment and share your thoughts.

Here is the link to the article: dada.org

Here is the link to the survey: 2010 Disability Gap Survey

Maybe I’ll have to ponder this some more…as soon as I get back from lunch with my girlfriends and post this to my blog and then charge up my laptop so I can tweet about it while I’m working.

LL

In honor of this week’s 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I am running articles and commentary pertaining to workplace issues and hiring practices, accessibility, advocacy and awareness.  I invite you to submit your own. 

Speaking in the Language of Awareness

When I interact with the public in either my professional or personal life, I seldom consider my blindness to be a barrier to an effective conversation, but those with whom I am speaking quickly remind me it can be. Their discomfort is palpable, their curiosity obvious. The specific nature of our conversation becomes secondary to what is really on their minds: How do I address a person who is blind? Can I ask about it? What should I say? Most people seem to be asking me to put them at ease before we can proceed with a discussion.

My experience has been that most people want to do the right thing, but they simply do not know what the "right thing" is. This has also proved true with other speaking professionals. I am frequently consulted on the appropriate language that should be used when presenting to diverse audiences. For speakers who give presentations in either the corporate or community setting, below is a short tip list on the language of awareness that you can use to make your talks more sensitive, accurate and inclusive.

Put the individual before the disability. For example, replace language such as, "handicapped” or “mentally slow”, with, “a person who is disabled”, “people who are blind”, or “children who have developmental disabilities”. This is respectful and empowering, as it places the emphasis on the individual as opposed to defining that person by their disability. This practice is usually referred to as ‘People First” language. People first language is the use of respectful and accurate terminology that is preferred by people with disabilities.

Avoid euphemisms. It is not necessary to use phrases, such as “differently abled”, “handy-capable”, or “challenged.” This implies that disability is not a topic that can be discussed in a straightforward manner, and it only emphasizes the differences between us.

Avoid dramatic language or language that sensationalizes disability.

Using phrases, such as “afflicted with” or “suffers from”, reinforces the idea that the individual is a victim.

Here are other examples of positive and affirming language versus insensitive or negative language. Instead of “psycho” or “mentally defective”, say “a person with a mental illness” or “a person with an intellectual disability."

If you know of someone who has a sensory disability, they can be referred to as “a person with low vision”, or “a person who is deaf”, as opposed to "the blind guy," "sight challenged,” or someone who “suffers from hearing loss”.

If you know of someone who is paralyzed or is unable to ambulate, that person is said to be mobility impaired, not “crippled” or “wheelchair bound.” That individual is simply a person who uses a wheelchair.

You personally may not know many people with disabilities or any at all. Therefore, you may not have considered why it might be important to alter your vocabulary in this way. It’s true that the person standing before you may not appear to have a disability, but they may be married to, related to, or care about someone who does. If you are speaking in front of a group, there is no way to know which members of your audience fall into which category. Using the language of awareness is an act of courtesy and respect that can set a powerful example for others to follow in their everyday communication.

Copyright 2010 by Laura Legendary.

Nearly every day, when we leave the safety and comfort of our personal sanctuary, we face the possibility of a potentially upsetting interaction with someone we may encounter. If we spent any time at all pondering this, none of us would ever leave our homes. However, our natural optimism, along with the demands of an impatient world, can make venturing out feel like an act of daring. When I go out, I never know what sort of interpersonal pratfalls await me. In a world best suited for the sighted, my goal is to arrive home unscathed, both physically and emotionally. This is achieved more easily some days than others.

Of the things most sought-after in  life, monetary and material, I believe that what most of us really want is to be acknowledged and valued. Choose any pursuit that comes to mind, and it boils down to “look at me, listen to me, value me”. We want for our achievement to be recognized as a reflection of who we are: Committed, motivated, creative, and compassionate. Who we are, not just what we do.

People who have disabilities are no different. We are, after all, people first. With all the same foibles, frailties and failings as any other. Yet that fortress of falseness often isolates us, where it is possible to be well meaning, yet demeaning.

Many people regard those with disabilities as the less fortunate, and there but for the grace of God go they. Others regard people with disabilities as a false idol. They use words like “amazing” or “inspiring” to describe me. They shake their heads in bewilderment as they wonder what divine attribute I must possess in order to live with this particular set of circumstances. I am placed on a pedestal so high as to be out of reach, and therefore isolated.

Despite all this admiration, if one were being honest, no one would want to be me. They would never say, “I wish I could be like that. I wish I could be blind. Then I’d be special, too”. The truth is, no one would want to trade places with me, right?

Well, certainly no one would aspire to be blind, but there is nothing wrong with being me. Whether one perceives people with disabilities as pathetic or divine, neither view represents reality.

Yet, I am often bestowed superhero status as if solely by virtue of being blind, I am somehow more worthy of admiration than I otherwise would be, if I were sighted. I’m no superhero. Calling me “amazing” only puts me up on a pedestal, and drives a wedge between us. It singles me out. Using words such as “brave” or courageous” are inappropriate. I did not choose to go blind. I am not an inspiration because I am blind. I’m not amazing because I am blind; I am amazing because I am accomplished, resourceful, and skilled. Perhaps I’m amazingly resilient, amazingly articulate, and amazingly strong. Not because of my disability, but in spite of it.

As American citizens with disabilities celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is important to realize that the underlying purpose of the landmark legislation is to enable equal access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Put another way, it has only been twenty years since I have had the legal right to have a job. My own ADA mantra is to remind our non-disabled society that accommodating the needs of people with disabilities is as much about attitude as it is about architecture. Long ago, I stumbled upon a quote that moved me so much; I wrote to the source and asked permission to reprint his words. Neil Marcus, a poet and playwright said, in part: “Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity’. Disability is an art…it’s an ingenious way to live.” I loved the quote so much that I asked Mr. Marcus for permission to use it in my speaker bio. To me, the quote expresses what is most important to all of us: Look at me, listen to me, value me. I’m no superhero.

LL

Monday, July 26 is the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  How do you plan to celebrate this landmark legislation?  How has the ADA changed your life for the better?  Tell us your story!  Have an article, web site, or special event or activity you want people to know about?  Share it here!  You can either click “contact” on the Accessible Insights home page to send me an email, or you can simply comment below. 

Have an article or story of attitude over adversity?  Favorite quotes?  I’ll be posting some of my own articles on ways you can improve workplace accessibility, accommodate the needs of a person with a disability, and enhance communication with friends or family who do not have disabilities. 

Raise your voice, or lend your voice to those who have no voice of their own! 

LL