Have you ever been with a small child when a 'handicapped' or 'special needs' person comes into their view? How did they react? Did they ask you several questions or point at that person?
When the 'baby boomers' were growing up labels like: retarded, mongoloid, deformed and spastic were used to describe these people. Children were told not to stare, don't go near 'them' or don't ask questions. Those who didn't look 'normal' were ostracized and almost thought of as infectious.
What is normal? It's a label, a perception and a means to measure or compare. But compare to what? Who sets the standards? Who gets to change the standards? WE DO!
Labels may have changed but the perceptions are still trying to catch up. I suggest 'they' be changed to 'we' so we're all on equal ground. We're all 'special' and have many talents and skills. Each of us has something to offer.
Help change the standards one description at a time.
They next time a child or grandchild asks you, "Why is that person is a wheelchair? or "Why does that person look different".......What will you say?
