Society’s still ignorant, but let’s pounce upon it in time
Epilepsy often leads to fatigue. Side-effects are responsible for this, and I also struggle to breathe as easily ever since my VNS surgery. But I need to exercise. And yet, as I must now powerwalk down the street, a guy might imitate my less-common choice of exercise. He might laugh a little – he might imply I’m strange for doing it. A similar sort of person might shout out from a car to joke about my endeavours. But, at that time, what is there to do about it?
When you need to exercise ignore the endeavours of others. Don’t take personally: don’t let it emotionally hurt you or even make you angry. If this exercise works better for you then it’s just logical to use it. You may generally remember what they say, so just add it to the list. Afterwards, think quickly about something else and move on; take it with a pinch of salt.
Lashing out with feelings of anger on the spot about ableism/disableism isn’t going to work. Confusion will arise and arguments are likely to fall. Right now, these people often don’t understand us. Disability is hugely misunderstood in society.
Thinking before you speak
The simple truth is some people just don’t think. They say or do something offensive in a totally uncaring way. How hard is it to see somebody powerwalking, and think to yourself: ‘Why aren’t they jogging or running? Do they prefer it? Maybe they can’t do it. Maybe they’re disabled.’ If you don’t think thoughts like that first, then you simply don’t think before you speak.
However, if you ignore others at first, you should speak up for disabled people at a later date. Speak the truth – but do it online to begin with. Build up a following via social media. Seeing as it’s not easy to network offline, it only makes sense at the moment.
Plus, using the internet is what people do more of than anything at the moment. Spending time on the internet is a popular pastime. As time advances, it’ll become more popular as years appear too. The best way we’ll deal with these problems though is through collaboration. Using the internet to collaborate with others is the best option we have available to get us started.
There are groups out there. Search for “disabled people”, “disabled people’s organisations”, “disability rights”, etc. I had to search for the GMCDP, but I’m so glad I found it now. Disabled people are the only individuals who have access to these own organisations. And, trust me, you’ll meet some great people through these groups as well.
Looking forward
In the future, I see new disabled people’s organisations beginning. I see greater success in getting our point across. Of course, this will have to wait until after this difficult COVID-19 era falls. Two-thirds of people dying from the COVID-19 have been disabled. That number is ridiculously high. Regarding epilepsy, I’m a person whose disability doesn’t advocate extra issues with coronavirus. Shielding isn’t a necessity for me.
But it is for a lot of other disabled people.
When it comes down to ableism, we’re being mistreated in society. They discriminate by believing that able-bodied people should be favoured. We want that to stop, and eventually this stop when vaccine arrives. But afterwards, so many countries will be in a major status of depression. Boris Johnson and his team have cost the UK too much money now.
Because of that, it’ll be time to take action.
I think it’ll be time to persuade people to look hard at the social model of disability. It only seems as if the NHS is going to be struggling with money in the future. However, if people see disabled people as the problem, the NHS can only struggle more.
The simple tattoo inked last year that symbolises my positive outlook on equality on my right wrist.
Adjusting society and influencing others to become more accepting of disabled people will have benefits for all. If disabled people were more socially accepted, then they’ll be happier. Less money will be spent on issues regarding depression: in 2018/2019, it cost the NHS spent £12.2 billion.
As well as that, if happier, then I imagine disabled people would be willing to live healthier lives. They’ll see more reason to keep themselves well. Less medical issues should occur in the long run for us in the future. Plus, as non-disabled learn to people accept us more, we’ll be able to influence them to be healthier as well.
We’ve all got stuff in common
Having a disability doesn’t make you any different. You will be as loved by your true family and friends as much as anybody else. Celebrities such as Katie Price and Alex Brooker have made this most clear via media. And if you think you might have a problem socially accepting disabled people, think again. If you get to know someone who is disabled a little more personally, then you’ll appreciate them. Appreciate them for who they are.
In fact, the “social model” side of things will be beneficial for a lot of people. Adjusting society for those who generally deserve equal rights only seems logical. It’ll lead to better health and happiness for all people. Equality looks to provide equal rights for all people; the protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. If we people searching fairer rights get on truly get on one side, then we can overcome others.
