Aren't We Special?

by Steve Gold No matter what the outcome of the Presidential election is, it will take along time for people with disabilities to rid ourselves of our new handle"special needs" people. It amazes me that there has not been a loud outcry by the disability rights community on this paternalistic description of us by the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and picked up by every media outlet in the country. Though the term is being used to describe children, let us not forget children grow up to be adults. Children, young adults and older people with disabilities need the opportunity to live in our communities as equals. Yes we need support services. Yes we need inclusive education. Yes we need integrated employment. Yes we need equal rights. This not"special". These needs are based on us, people with disabilities, equal members of our communities. We are not inspirational nor are we "special". We are PROUD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES who should push back when anyone describes us as anything but equal members of our communities. Unfortunately the now accepted "special needs" people may stick with the general public. The "special" label fits into the common stereotypes of people with disabilities. To combat these stereotypes our "special"ity must become aggressive advocacy. Our struggle for equality must continue beyond the election regardless of who gets elected. Families of, advocates for and those of us with disabilities can and will make a difference. Not by being "special" but by advocating for our equal place in our communities. For an Institution and Barrier Free America, Kafkaesque