This thought-provoking article (and associated links) shed light on a culture often invisible to those living around it… http://www.independentliving.org/newsletter/12-01.html Please read this article, and explore at least two of the links that follow. Then return here to contribute your thoughts. Do read and consider your classmates’ comments as well. As always, please post an original response to the post, as well as at least 3 replies to classmates’ posts. ——————–spend 1 page on my part and the rest to reply————————————- Ali Ait Daoud Steven E. Brown, PhD, suggests a definition for “disability culture,” first published in a 1996 issue of MAINSTREAM magazine as follows:

QUESTION

This thought-provoking article (and associated links) shed light on a culture often invisible to those living around it…

http://www.independentliving.org/newsletter/12-01.html
Please read this article, and explore at least two of the links that follow. Then return here to contribute your thoughts. Do read and consider your classmates’ comments as well.

As always, please post an original response to the post, as well as at least 3 replies to classmates’ posts.
——————–spend 1 page on my part and the rest to reply————————————-
Ali Ait Daoud
Steven E. Brown, PhD, suggests a definition for “disability culture,” first published in a 1996 issue of MAINSTREAM magazine as follows:

“We share a common history of oppression and a common bond of resilience. We generate art, music, literature, and other expressions of our lives and our culture, infused from our experience of disability. Most importantly, we are proud of ourselves as people with disabilities. We claim our disabilities with pride as part of our identity. We are who we are: we are people with disabilities.”

I am not sure that you can really define a “disability culture.” I also think that the concept of a “disabled” person has changed since 1996.

The medical community “defines “disability” as the presence of a physical or cognitive difference that deviates negatively from a mundane norm.”

However, I think more people today emphasize that people who have a physical or cognitive difference are not “disabled,” they just have a physical or cognitive difference. The word “disability” is disabling.

In Steven E. Brown’s 1997 article, Dis-ing Definitions, he also challenges definitions that attempt to define those with disabilities. He was dissatisfied with defining himself as an “individual with a disability.” He asks if ” we automatically imprison ourselves as soon as we turn to classifications?”

In Paul K. Longmores’ 1995 article, the Second Phase: From Disability Rights to Disability Culture, He says the first phase was “the quest for disability rights” and the second phase is a quest for “collective identity.” He seems to suggest that by defining a collective identity, it will advance disability rights.

I have a stepson who has intellectual and physical differences. He does not like to be called disabled. He feels it immediately puts him in an “other” box and suggests that he is limited and different in a negative way to other people. I am pretty sure he would not want to be defined as a member of a “disability culture.”

In the country where I grew up, people who have physical or intellectual differences, aren’t as stigmatized in a way as they are in the US. However, they also aren’t given as many opportunities as in the US. I have noticed that there are a lot of rights and accommodations for people with differences in the US. At Foothill College I see a lot of people who have differences in class, but I don’t see them as having a specific culture that connects them due to the difference. I can see where they might have similar challenges and difficulties, but I am not sure that this results in a culture.

In Morocco, people who have differences are accepted in the culture, but there aren’t specific resources or supports so they can live similarly to others. However, there aren’t many resource for anybody there. I don’t think you could define a “disability culture” in Morocco. You are just Moroccan with a physical or cognitive difference.

I support equality and support for people with physical or cognitive differences, but I am not sure that people need to be defined as “disabled” or part of “disability culture,” unless people want to self-define – that is their right. It seems in this day and age, the more we create separate definitions, the more divided we are. We are who we are: We are all human-beings.

Albert Pham
As the article mentions, disability culture is often invisible to those living around it. This is mainly due to people having negative connotations of the word “disability”. Different cultures have a different definition of the word “disability” and the word “culture” so it makes sense that so many people are interested in this topic when combined together. The article mentions that these two words have many different interpretations, so it causes a lot of controversy and interest to the public.

After seeing all the searches on this topic, I asked myself why there was so much interest in “disability culture”. Especially why there were at least 242 million search results just on this topic. One point that one of the articles mentions is how even though there is increasing awareness towards this issue, we would rather focus on promoting our differences and separating our identity. This is why it is hard to integrate disabled people into our society.

I feel that one solution towards this should be better policies towards helping those that are disabled. Another solution is to have all disabled people join together in one organization. This would allow for more focus on the integration of these people in the normal world as having too many organizations with people who have disabilities draws more attention towards different issues that are not focused on integration. As someone who suffers from ADHD, I was labeled as a student with a disability and my negative connotation on the word “disability” caused me to doubt my abilities. This article definitely increased my confidence in myself because, at the end of the day, increasing awareness for people with disabilities will help create a new disability culture that can actually do good in the long run.

Tsai Yen Hu
When I think of disability, it is a simple word to describe someone with cognitive impairments. Instead of referring to disability as a negative thing, in modern definition, it is just a description for us to identify differences in people. In this article, the author emphasizes how disabled people are proud of who they are. I am sure that this is not true for every disabled individual; however, it is a goal for them and everyone else to accept and embrace the differences.
The author also mentions that disability culture is “a set of artifacts, beliefs, expressions created by disabled people ourselves to describe their life experience”. It is a true statement, but I don’t agree that it is a cultural thing. Instead, I would call it a basic behavior and norm of a human being. It seems like the author is trying to minimize negative thoughts and discrimination against disabled people by emphasizing its culture.
In another article “The Disability Movement and its History”, the author indicates that “In order to understand the disability movement a person has to understand the disability experience.” I think this is an important message for everyone. Often times, we try to relate ourselves with others only to pretend that we know what others are going through while we actually don’t. By understanding disabled people’s story and life, it encourages us to be mindful. I believe that it is the path that we need to walk on.

ANSWER

 Understanding the Complexity of Disability Culture: Perspectives and Pathways

Introduction

The concept of disability culture is a subject of ongoing debate and exploration, with diverse perspectives highlighting the complexity surrounding this topic. This essay aims to delve into the discourse surrounding disability culture, examining various viewpoints and proposing potential pathways for fostering inclusivity and empowerment. By analyzing scholarly articles and personal experiences, we can gain insight into the evolving understanding of disability culture.

Body

Challenging the Definition

One perspective questions the feasibility of defining disability culture, asserting that the concept of disability has evolved over time. Rather than labeling individuals as “disabled,” there is a growing emphasis on recognizing their physical or cognitive differences. The term “disability” itself can be disabling, perpetuating negative connotations and societal barriers. Steven E. Brown’s work challenges conventional definitions, advocating for self-determination and questioning the limitations imposed by classifications. By reframing disability as a unique aspect of identity, individuals can reclaim their agency and challenge societal norms.

The Quest for Collective Identity

Paul K. Longmores’ article highlights the shift in the disability movement from a focus on rights to a quest for collective identity. Recognizing shared experiences and fostering a sense of community can lead to the advancement of disability rights. Disability culture is seen as a collection of artifacts, beliefs, and expressions created by disabled individuals themselves, enabling them to describe their life experiences. By acknowledging the diversity within disability culture, we can embrace the richness and resilience present in the community.

 Personal Experiences

Personal accounts shed light on the nuanced perspectives surrounding disability culture. One individual mentions their stepson’s aversion to the term “disabled” and the negative implications it carries. They emphasize the importance of allowing individuals to define themselves on their own terms, free from limiting labels. Furthermore, the individual observes differences in cultural attitudes towards disabilities, noting that while acceptance exists, limited resources and support hinder the integration of individuals with disabilities. This insight emphasizes the need for equal opportunities and accommodations across diverse cultural contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the notion of disability culture remains a complex and multifaceted concept. While there may be differing opinions on the existence and definition of disability culture, the overarching goal should be to promote equality, inclusivity, and support for individuals with physical or cognitive differences. By challenging negative connotations, fostering collective identity, and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, society can strive towards creating an environment that celebrates diversity and empowers all individuals. By raising awareness, improving policies, and encouraging integration, we can collectively work towards a society that values and embraces the unique contributions of every individual, regardless of ability.

In responding to classmates’ comments, it is evident that disability culture is often misunderstood or invisible to those who do not directly experience it. Negative connotations associated with disability contribute to this lack of understanding and acceptance. The proposed solutions, such as raising awareness, improving policies, and fostering integration, align with the goal of promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity within disability culture. By understanding the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, we can collectively create a more inclusive society that recognizes and embraces the unique strengths and talents of all individuals.

ANSWER2

The concept of “disability culture” is a complex and debated topic. While some individuals with disabilities identify with and take pride in their disability as part of their identity, others may prefer to focus on their abilities rather than their differences. The definition of disability itself has evolved over time, with a shift towards recognizing the diverse range of physical and cognitive differences without attaching a negative connotation to the term “disability.”

The idea of a disability culture is not universally accepted, and it varies across different cultures and societies. In some countries, people with disabilities may be accepted and integrated into the broader culture, while in others, they may face stigmatization and limited opportunities. The existence of specific resources and supports for individuals with disabilities can also differ, impacting the development of a distinct disability culture.

The focus should be on promoting equality, support, and inclusivity for individuals with physical or cognitive differences, rather than creating separate definitions or cultures that further divide society. Policies that facilitate integration, improve accessibility, and ensure equal opportunities for all are crucial. Additionally, having unified organizations that advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities can help to address common challenges and promote integration into mainstream society.

As an individual who has experienced the labeling of a disability, such as ADHD, I understand the impact of negative connotations and the importance of raising awareness to foster a more inclusive society. Increasing understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities can lead to a positive transformation of societal attitudes and the creation of a more inclusive culture.

In conclusion, while the concept of disability culture is subjective and varies among individuals, the focus should be on promoting inclusivity, equality, and support for people with disabilities. By challenging negative connotations, improving policies, and fostering integration, we can create a society that values diversity and recognizes the capabilities and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their differences.