Thursday, March 22, 2007

Dehumanization: Two powerful posts

Ruth, from Wheelie Catholic, writes a personal, real life post about the issues people with disabilities face with personal care attendants (and I would add often with other service providers, too.) She points out some of the ways disrespect can be manifested by caregivers in the lives of their clients. She also addresses the reluctance many people feel in bringing up these issues for fear of losing much needed service. One of the commenters who details neglectful care does not leave his/her name, because "I'm afraid."

Steve Kuusisto, at Planet of the Blind, sadly reflects on the disrespect of one group of people by another group of people when the issue of combining schools is raised in his town. He wearily speaks of the disdain of some members of the deaf community towards others with disabilities. The disability hierarchy rears its ugly head again.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a phenomenon to me, but thanks for talking about it. I was clueless that such a hierarchy existed.

Ruth said...

Thanks for the link David.

And, yes, the disability hierarchy, sadly, is a very real thing.

Anonymous said...

Hi David,

I'm visiting with family in NH and consequently I'm behind on my blogging. I just noticed this link and wanted to say "thanks"...

Anonymous said...

David, I met you today at the Youth Leadership Summit in Springfield. You came to the "Breaking the Chains" workshop that Amy Walker presented. I am really enjoying your blog, and I would like your permission to use the "Top 10 List for Service Providers" in future trainings as I believe that staff and service providers don't think often enough about how the people they support may be feeling. You have a way with words that makes me jump for joy!