We Label Jars, Not People !!

When you think of the words “handicapped” and “disability” what do you think of ?  And, if you were talking to a kid, how would you explain it ?  The first thing that might come to mind may be a wheelchair or a walker, because you can see it.  It is the most visible thing.  As a young kid growing up, you view the world how you see it.  Most things that are dangers, but you are protected by adults like family and friends.

As a kid you are not going to understand certain things. they need to be broken down so that they are easier to understand.  So how can you make people understand things in an easier way when questions begin to be asked?  And you know things are going to be asked.  But, how do you explain to the other person who might not have certain challenges, that they are not different than you.

Just because a person is handicapped does not mean that they are useless and are not able to do anything.  Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses even if they have no handicapped at all.  But then again, what does it mean that someone has a handicap?  According to online definitions, it means having a condition that markedly restricts one's ability to function physically, mentally, or socially.  So that means that if you were qualified under any of those things you were not considered normal and where not expected to do much?  Sad, right?

That’s why when the curious questions are asked by young kids when they start noticing things about their peers, it is important to educate them.  But still, break it down, like how there are many different things that can make a person, there are some people who might think that as long as you do not see it, that it does not exist.  Handicap does not necessarily have to be a thing that is seen, it might be something that is invisible like a learning disability.  You may not be able to physically see that unless you look very close.

Then imagine if you were in a situation where most people could not look at you and see the challenge that you have, the limitations just by looking quickly . . . hum, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  Because no one like to be the one to put their flaws first, usually when you meet someone you say, “Hey, how are you?” and then move on without focusing on the things that you cannot do.  Then, the second that people start to notice, there comes, “Oh can I help you with that?”  Sometimes their help turns into more of them doing things for you.  Trust me when I say no one wants to feel like their weaknesses are going to keep them from achieving the things that they are capable of.  It can be very discouraging when you know you are capable of getting the job done but things are required to be done at such a fast pace.

For most people that are handicapped or disabled, they will most likely have to work two or more jobs to make up for their full-time hours.  They also have to watch out because there are things that come into consideration, especially when you have a permanent diagnosis and proof of a disability.  By law, they have to give you service, that service includes Social Security income.  There are pros and cons just like many things, but most people don’t realize that being in the system can also limit you to several things.  There is a cap of hours and how much money that you are allowed to make before buying your benefits.   Everyone’s decision needs to be what best suits their own individual needs.