How Do We Think About Disability?

As an abstract thought, a rhetorical question or topic of discussion in a graduate level special education class for teachers, it is inspiring to look at disability, particularly developmental disability, in context with those who have made great gains in their development. When we read of how some have "risen above" or "overcome" their disabilities, we are excited and determined to not let any future Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, or Steven Hawkings' slip through our care without first giving them the greatest opportunity t0 meet their full potential.

However, what do we do when we encounter a developmentally disabled person in line in behind us at the grocery store? How about sitting next to us at church? What is our response? If we see them first, do we move over, go to another line, "remember something we forgot" and go back to get it, hoping the "person" will be gone when we get back? Why? Are we afraid that mental retardation is contagious?

Culture "as" Disability?

I have been reading McDermott and Varenne's "Culture as Disability". It gave me a new look at disability and life here in these United States. Having spent the last 30 years or so tucked away in the insulated, artificial and socially constructed world of education, seeing my profession and calling in life from an anthropological view can challenge, shake, and generally upset the status quo.

Several thing happen when I am confronted with a challenge from a divergent paradigm. I can be angry and dismissive. I not doing this as much anymore. If I keep listening and I see the validity of the stance, it brings me to the question: what do I do now? what do I do with this? Do I file it to be lost in the confused jumble of my mind to pop up at some inopportune time?

This is where I am now. Fortunately I am not alone in my quandary. I will be emailing friends and associates to enter into the discussion.

McDermott, Ray & Varenne, Herve (1995). Culture as Disability, Anthropology and Education Quarterly, 26(3), pp. 324-348.