There is No “Dis” in our Abilities: Acknowledging the Experience of the Differently-Abled Community

Abstract

Living with a disability, or different ability, is undeniably challenging. Not only are individuals with different abilities challenged to overcome the physical trails associated with their respective medical conditions, they must also persevere through the life-long process of reconciling their personal views of themselves with the negative perceptions and prejudices of society. The psychological consequences of this task are complex and often indelible. In addition to combating social stigma, the differently-abled community is confronted with numerous physical barriers, political restrictions, and a history plagued with inferior status. Fortunately, the world has progressed in its acceptance, and is continuing to improve its treatment of individuals with different abilities. Nevertheless, there is still great progress to be made in the movement toward equality and full inclusion. Differently-abled women, for example, are continuously faced with the trials of intersectionality, the results of being both female and differently abled, which primarily includes sexual oppression. Thus, individuals with different abilities are encouraged to be more engaged in the practice of self-advocacy. Family, friends, and allies must also maintain their support of individuals with different abilities, an element that is critical to the community’s success. Helping professionals who serve the differently-abled community are urged to educate themselves on the adversity experienced by the community, to acknowledge how other cultural identities intersect with the differently abled culture, and to employ strengths-based theoretical paradigms that will produce the most empowering results for their clients. Helping professionals with different abilities, furthermore, are called upon to lead the identity and civil rights movement of the differently-abled community.