Thanks, DD. I agree with everything you say here. It is so crucial for us to learn to LISTEN to each other, not just hear. That's how we expand our minds and our enhance our ability to empathize and recognize that there but for the grace of whatever we go. It is how we learn to understand and understanding, in my mind, is what can lead to a more peaceful and beautiful world.
Interesting Jodi. Certainly food for thought and there are so many different experiences. Just speaking personally I only have know little Robin who’s classed as “disabled “ officially but I never ever think him of that at all. In fact I don’t like calling him that. (Down’s Syndrome is just a different way of being in the world ) xx
Thank you for this perspective, Jodi. Eddie Ndopu is incredibly inspiring and he gave me much to consider. I'm always trying to be conscious about my choice of words and their meaning. Language is always evolving as a reflection of our collective consciousness.
Oooh, thanks for the reminder, CJ. I was going to write more about language as it came up in a group I moderate but maybe I'll write about the models next instead. Gosh, I have so much to write about and not enough time ... Big hugs. Loved your hat at the social today, btw.
Thanks, DD. I agree with everything you say here. It is so crucial for us to learn to LISTEN to each other, not just hear. That's how we expand our minds and our enhance our ability to empathize and recognize that there but for the grace of whatever we go. It is how we learn to understand and understanding, in my mind, is what can lead to a more peaceful and beautiful world.
Yes, yes it is, Julie. Down Syndrome is not a curse. In fact, in some people's eyes, it's a blessing. So you are one lucky mother! Hugs!
Interesting Jodi. Certainly food for thought and there are so many different experiences. Just speaking personally I only have know little Robin who’s classed as “disabled “ officially but I never ever think him of that at all. In fact I don’t like calling him that. (Down’s Syndrome is just a different way of being in the world ) xx
Thank you for this perspective, Jodi. Eddie Ndopu is incredibly inspiring and he gave me much to consider. I'm always trying to be conscious about my choice of words and their meaning. Language is always evolving as a reflection of our collective consciousness.
Thank so much! Eddie really is quite the human being ... kind and fierce and intelligent and well-spoken. He was a joy to chat with.
Thank you, Jodi, for this. Tough question, for sure. For me, in the end it comes to two things, I think. In this order:
1. we have got to respect (and care about) each other and,
2. we need to be able to communicate in the clearest and more effective way possible.
(Technically, I guess that was more than two things, but you get what I'm trying to say.).
I look forward to your essay on "medical model vs. the societal model of disability."
Hugs!
cjp
Oooh, thanks for the reminder, CJ. I was going to write more about language as it came up in a group I moderate but maybe I'll write about the models next instead. Gosh, I have so much to write about and not enough time ... Big hugs. Loved your hat at the social today, btw.
Thanks, Jodi. Didn't see you there or I'd have given you a shout out! xo
xoxo