Blog Post #9 - Eliminating Ableism by Heir, Examined Life video (Quotes)
The first quote I have comes from Eliminating Ableism in Education by Thomas Heir. “Don’t assume he has the same educational rights as every other child. You’re going to have to fight for that.” The quote comes from a conversation Penny, a mother of a disabled son, had with another person. This quote really stuck out to me when I read Heir’s writing. It’s honestly sad that a child may not be given the same opportunities as other children because of something they’re born with or can’t control.
My second quote also comes from Eliminating Ableism. “This image implies that a disabled person is presumed deserving of pity - instead of respect - until the person proves capable of overcoming disability through extraordinary feats.” I feel like this quote is an example of our society today. A lot of exposure disabled people get is through viral media. I feel like the only stories we really hear about are, like the quote says, them overcoming something though impossible for them. While I agree that it is amazing and we should give people recognition for their accomplishments, I think it would be beneficial to hear more regular stories. That way people won’t have the mindset that anything less than exceptional is “just the best they can do.”
My last quote comes from the examined Life video. Judith Butler said, "Do we or do we not live in a world in which we assist each other? Do we or do we not help each other with basic needs? And are basic needs there to be decided on as a social issue and not just my personal individual issue." She is saying that as a society we turn a blind eye to things that don’t affect us. That if we don’t need help surely no one else does either. And when someone does ask for help or point out that not everything is accessible, it becomes a political issue. Everyone is going to have their own experiences and needs to be met. The sooner we acknowledge that, the sooner we can get people the help they need.
I’ve included an article that explains further what ableism is. It defines ableism and explains that it can come from people's fears. The article also talks about the different forms ableism can take like microaggressions, or objectifying disabled people.
Hi Sarah. As you said the fact that children are striped from opportunities for something, such as a disability, which they did not choose to be born with, it's really disheartening. Having a disability is something that they have no control over, and it's something that our educational system need to work on to provide equitable opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI like the article you included. It helped develop a really well rounded perspective on the matter Hehir presents.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I enjoyed all of the quotes that you picked out. The first one, "Don’t assume he has the same educational rights as every other child. You’re going to have to fight for that," gives the audience a broad perspective of general school systems regarding students with disabilities.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I really enjoyed reading your blog. I liked the quotes you picked, they really help to provide a perspective on the school systems when it comes to students with disabilities. I also enjoyed the article you attached, it was helpful in further understanding the matter Hehir talks about.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I really like the second quote that you used in your blog. People should not be given pity due to having a disability, but should be respected and cared for like others around us. Overcoming problems for someone who is disabled should not be seen as impossible, but we should rather be there to support and guide them with any support they deem necessary.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I agree with you about the second quote you write about. It is unfair that society pities people with a disability even when they prove to have many strengths. As a society, if we don't change this way of thinking we will never see the strengths that everyone has.
ReplyDelete