I was watching ABC's World News Tonight when a teaser came on for a later segment about the "Persons of the Year." With the background of a marching band member in a wheelchair, Charles Gibson said something along the lines of "these people don't know what disabled is, or at least they don't want to know."
Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the segment, but I did find the story online.
'I Hear 'Disabled' ... It Makes Me Kind of Mad'
Dec. 29, 2006 — "World News" profiled a range of individuals during 2006 who are finding ways to benefit others in the United States and abroad. We caught up with a few of those featured and have these updates as they are named "Persons of the Year."
The persons are (drum roll, please) Thomas Ellenson, Anthony Robles, and Patrick Henry Hughes, all men with a disability.
From what I understand:
Thomas Ellenson: Has cerebral palsy, became frustrated with communication device. Dad invented a new one, named "Tango." It is now on the market "unlocking the thoughts and feelings of so many."
Anthony Robles: Born with one leg, became High school sports star. An undefeated wrestling season that got him a full scholarship to Arizona State. Doesn't like the word "disabled" because he can do anything he sets his mind to. As he says, "Now people come up to me and say I'm an inspiration."
Patrick Henry Hughes: Has never been able to walk or see. He plays the trumpet in the of Louisville marching band. His father goes to all the rehearsals and learns the routines so he can wheel Patrick through the show while Patrick plays the music. Dad also works the overnight shift at UPS so he can be his son's eyes in class. Patrick made almost all As in his first semester.
Thoughts/questions:
Why did these guys "win" jointly? They were not in a joint effort to save (insert cause here). As far as I know, they don't know each other. What was so amazing about them? I don't know what they have done to "benefit others in the US and abroad." The "good deeds" seem to come more from Mr. Ellenson's and Mr. Hughes' fathers working to make the world more accesible. As far as the honorees themselves go, it seems their amazing deed is being BOTH disabled AND successful. The problem is that it’s damaging to treat this as a rare occurrence. Their service to the world? Inspirational stories of triumph over tragedy. It seems rather "supercrip"y.
Why wasn't Mr. Ellenson quoted in the story. The article tells us he is "very bright" and he obviously has an amazing communication device. Why do his parents speak about/for him?
I don't feel good about the intro that said something about how the honorees "don't know what disabled is, or at least they don't want to know." That implies ignorance as well as shame about disabilities. I feel like it's like saying, "Yes, sadly, these people are disabled. But they are so happy, they don't even notice. However, sometimes, they have to recognize they are, in fact, broken. But even then, they refuse to accept it." Also, the quote implies the terrible thing - the one that is holding them back, the one to be overcome - is disability, not society's ablism.
Furthermore, does the University of Louisville not have a Disabilities Office of sorts that coordinates services and helps make classes accessible to all students? It seems odd that the task falls to Mr. Hughes' father, who, if his son had better services, could have a better work schedule?
Finally, just because you cannot communicate with someone else doesn't mean that their thoughts and feelings are tragically locked inside themselves. Communication goes 2 ways. Maybe it's not that they can't express themselves. Maybe it's that you can't understand. This isn't to say that I disapprove of speech/communication devices. My issue is how the story seems to put all the inability on the person with the disability.
Whew. That's all for now. Up next? Disability in theater!
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