It takes no effort to see a pair of crutches or a wheelchair, to mark someone exclusively as a (dis)abled person if they meet our society’s criteria as so, but it’s a painstakingly difficult process to learn to stop categorizing and to begin the journey to look deeper. Imagine a world where we are individuals before classifications. By nature, we group; we catalogue and sort, and, in doing so, remarkable attributes and beauty are lost.
No one is a (dis)ability: it’s just that simple. Those who have a (dis)ability are people first, and to let a difference in ability engulf an individual in their entirety is a common practice in our society, and also an incredible injustice. The many facets of who we are should be honored and cherished and should never be simplified to a single-word definition.
To trust that there’s more than a diagnosis, despite the constant reinforcement that’s perpetuated, labelling each individual and simplifying the complexity of the human existence, is to allow the space to address stigma, and to be aware of the diversity that each one of us can contribute.
Denying anyone the right to individuality is an incredible hindrance to society and its progress. There’s input that has yet to be heard and resources yet to be acknowledged that lay stagnating in those we assume aren’t able. If we invite each other to look past the limited scope we so often limit ourselves to, perhaps we can introduce a new standard of interaction.