In her essay “On Being a Cripple”, Nancy Mairs presents her audience with an honest inside view of her life and perspective as a cripple, a word she openly uses to define herself. She brings her world to us by discussing a wide variety of things including language, family, and humor, and how these all relate to her life. Through various stories and insights, she allows her readers to gain an understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. She examines the public’s view of the disabled, as well as the views they have of themselves, and compares them to her own. She makes it clear that she is not to be defined solely by her disability. In discussing honestly her views, as well as
In the United States today, there are over fifty-one million disabled adults and children. Throughout our nation’s history, we have not allowed the best treatment and care for these numerous citizens. But, in the recent past, the government has passed laws, made exceptions, and thoroughly tried to provide accommodations to these people with special needs. While this is true, America, as a whole, still views this group as strange or different. Even though this is exceptionally normal, it is not correct. The United States needs to be opened up to the truth about their fellow American citizens. The people of America ought to understand that these disabilities affect not only those who are disabled, but that it affects the family and friends
In this essay, I will be talking about the injustices faced by disabled or impaired people. Martin Luther King always supported equal justice for all, and some people aren’t getting it. There are more than 1 billion people who are considered disabled, and many don’t get the treatment that they need or deserve. I think it is unjust that most movements to support disabled people’s rights didn’t begin until the 1950s and 60s, and the first laws regulating treatment of disabled people in the UK weren’t passed until 1995. There are many problems facing disabled people, such as inadequate facilities, lack of acceptance in their communities, and lack of access to general needs.
Disability has been a difficult topic of society for years. Many people find discomfort in the presence of the disabled and many feel pity for those who are disabled. Back in the 1800s, the disabled were perceived as unable to contribute to society, often forced to undergo sterilization, and forced into institutions and asylums (“A Brief History”). In fact, this treatment of the disabled and mentally ill has been persistent until somewhat recently, when the Civil Rights movement took place, and those with disabilities decided to take a stand for their rights. Although people with disabilities continue to face difficulties in finding jobs, legitimizing their opinion, having the right to vote, and choosing whether or not they receive or refuse
In her essay, “On Being a Cripple”, Nancy Mairs, an essayist with multiple sclerosis, writes about her experiences with her disease. She wants her audience of able-bodied people to stop pitying towards disabled people and instead show acceptance. Mairs achieves her purpose by presenting herself as similar and relatable to her able-bodied audience with many anecdotes and a blunt tone. This discussion of her condition removes the discomfort about disabilities felt by her audience and allows for them to accept disabled people. While Maris’s primary audience is an able-bodied person who supports disabled people, other readers, like someone with her condition, may be drawn towards this essay as well. Unlike an able-bodied person, a disabled person
The purpose of this work is to inform the public about what it is really like for people with disabilities both inside and outside the United States. For example he talks about how during research that the Human Rights Watch conducted, they “found that some school administrators refuse to admit children with disabilities because they believe these children are unable to learn, unsafe around other children, or engage in disruptive behavior” which is a harsh reality for disabled kids around the world because they are seen as inept, or unable to do the same as the kids without disabilities.
Disability is a topic viewed differently by each set of eyes. To truly understand a disability, one must live through it or frequently view the lives of another, struggling with an infirmity. Living with a disability may be hard, but it does not mean it is not worth living. Nancy Mairs, author of the essay “On Being a Cripple,” has written about her views and experiences, explaining to the public the truth behind being a “cripple,” and proving that disease does not control you. Explained in the paper, able-bodied people make assumptions to how low quality life must be, living with a disease and that these individuals are constantly unhappy however
When people think of “disabled” the words incapable, broken down, powerless come to mind, But they are not they are so unbelievably strong, because they have learned to go through life in a completely new way which is just what makes them beautiful.
Developing a desire to give back to our nation’s heroes led me to become involved with a Disabled American Veterans program that aids local veterans by offering them an opportunity to seek assistance for everyday tasks. Creating connections with a few of the veterans prompted an invitation to participate in their monthly chapter meetings where I discovered that our conversations left a lasting impact on me; hearing their life stories of successes and struggles is eye opening. Although a majority of group members has a disability from their service to our country, they remain the most humble individuals one will ever meet. Additionally, my time with these heroes wills me to become more intrinsically motivated in finding ways to continue to
With nearly 20% of Americans having a disability, the voice of the disability community is growing stronger and louder. The disability community has worked long and hard to ensure that people with disabilities are included in conventional American life and not sent away to institutions such as mental hospitals and nursing homes. While the disability community has made large strides towards equality, there is still much to come until people with disabilities are truly integrated in mainstream life. For example, Scott Randolf, a Vietnam veteran who lost his sight and legs from duty, complains that he is not getting the help he needs. His wheelchair is unable to fit through several doors; if he falls on the floor, he is not able to get up until the ambulance and
Kathie Snow thinks the greatest Paraplegic heroes who struggle to become normal again. Nor are they retarded, autistic, blind, deaf learning, because a person who is impaired, one of their life's major functions, some people believe that the person is a second-class citizen. However, most people with disabilities have skills, knowledges that make the impaired in the work place. In fact, people with quadriplegic can drive cars and have children. Disability diagnoses are, unfortunately used to define a person’s value and potential, and low expectations and a dismal future are the predicted norm, with the best of intentions, we work on people's bodies and brains while paying scant attention to their hearts and minds. What the author means
As the trend of recognition and celebration continues for the privileged achievers born with a silver spoon into a life with physical, emotional, financial, and/or social stability, the other common theme that the disabled community regularly witnesses is the expectation of adaptability and optimism. The society expects the disabled community to be thankful for their donations and benevolence rather than striving for an equally successful life. In this picture, the ADAPT organization is fiercely preparing the disabled citizens to not only adapt to procure success but furthermore, it is training them to resist against the patriarchy to protect the rights of their own community and of others. As the grassroots the United States disability rights organization, ADAPT expands its operations in 30 states through well-initiated system and chapters.
The amount of people who live with disabilities is a controversial number. Depending on what law and diagnostic tools used, a person may have a visible disability, or one that may lie beneath the surface of his or her appearance. Some people believe that the term “disability” is merely a label use to hold back, or prescribe helplessness. Meanwhile, individuals who have been properly diagnosed with disabilities struggle to maintain respect and acceptance every day. In plain language, there is a lot of misunderstanding between people with disabilities and those without. It is firstly important to get everyone on the same page regarding the definition of disability.
Over the years, perceptions towards disability have been significantly changing as result of the long pathway the disable community has taken fighting for Civil Rights, inclusion and against discrimination. Unfortunately, this last one has not been totally accomplished yet. Barriers to social integration still exist in the society. Perhaps the greatest barrier is not the disability itself; is the attitude of people.
Approximately 15% of the world’s population is, in a way, disabled. Whether it is a physical disability or a serious chronic disease, we have about one billion people in the world that live with a disability every day of their lives. It often occurs that these people are seen as an outcast of society; people that cannot live normal lives. It is important to realize that this is not true at all. People with disabilities are completely able to be part of the world. It is just the world’s duty to accept them.