Inclusiveness

#25 - Disability Visibility First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century, edited by Alice Wong

One of the few books I think should be required reading.  We live in a very ableist world, we have a very narrow definition of what we perceive as "normal" and our societal definition of useful and meaningful life follows from that narrow definition.  Begin to conceive it isn't the only one.  Begin to conceive and view an inclusive world where all people can contribute their gifts, are not facing barricades: accessibility, clothing, transportation, communication, help, healthcare, mobility, discrimination,, etc., from reaching their potential.  See the world from someone else's point of view.  (Which I might add, is also kinda' the point of reading.)

We fall so short of what could be.  We do enough to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, and miss the spirit of what it means to be inclusive.  (For instance, my apartment building has an elevator and ADA compliant units, but non-ADA compliant entrances to the building.  If you needed a wheelchair if would be very difficult to get into the building without assistance.  The key fob is high up on a wall, 4' perhaps?  and then you have to get to the door and pull it open before the buzzer stops.  It's hard enough to do if you are carrying anything, much less have mobility constraints.  A push pad to open the door would solve that, though not solve security issues.) What it means to be open and welcoming.  To say, we are happy to have you here.  To say this place is for all, and we welcome your contributions, you have a place at the table.