Those with Intellectual Disabilities have beautiful souls!
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
Canada
October 25, 2007 11:43am CST
If you are one that believes anyone with a disability should have been aborted, this discussion is for YOU. What is the logic in that?
Society is made up of different race, different cultures, different genders, different ages, different kind of personalities, different kind of point of views AND different kind of mental capacities.
Should only the brilliant and independent be allowed to have certain jobs? certain homes? certain friends? certain medical treatments? certain income level?
As a respite worker, my life is filled with challenges as I meet new children with intellectual disabilities. I wish it was compulsory in life to spend time with someone with a disability. There is so much to learn from these people. I challenge everyone who reads this discussion to say HELLO to the next person you meet with Down Syndrome. Yes this said person will probably talk your ear off after that HOWEVER I promise you, if you listen with a caring heart, you won't regret it. Next time you're at the park and you see a mom with a child that seems disabled in one way or another, go talk to mom. I bet she's got some wonderful stories for you that she'd love to share and give you an insight of what life is like with a special child. Next time you're doing your groceries and you see a child have a temper tantrum in the isle, don't judge, give the parent a hand. Chances are this child will have some sort of delay and you will be blessed with an emotional rollercoaster.
Those with disabilities are also human and deserve just as much respect as the next person.
Children are not stupid empty vessels that only need food and shelter. They are loving little individuals thirsty for knowledge and experiences. Even in the worse case of disabilities, the mind remains curious and eager to learn. If a child is not given the opportunity to explore, the brain will disconnect what was been proven to be useless. When an adult allows this to happen, they are responsible for destroying the potential and in my books, it's called ABUSE!
A little girl I care for got a paper cut on her finger. She isn't able to express to me what happened however she knew she needed comforting. She came up to me, stuck her finger in my face and then hugged me. She didn't know how to convey the message that she needed comfort so she comforted me instead. I got the message loud and clear. Would you?
3 responses
@JOLINAR1073 (88)
• United States
29 Oct 07
Having "met" you thru another discussion, I think you may remember my situation. My son is Autistic. Some times people are very cruel or just treat him like he's got three heads or something. Matt is a sweet, if a bit strange, child. I know that, but I love him anyways. His "strange" behaviors are a result of his disability. He's also a genius. He can play music without reading sheet music and he can do vocal impressions that have shocked people with their authenticness. He's a unique and diverse individual and should be treated with respect. Just like everyone else. You are absolutely right. Even Matt has compassion when he sees some one else whose different, too. He'll ask questions, but he's not being cruel about it. He just wants to be liked for himself.
I had 2 best friends in High School who were both a bit mentally challenged. But, they were still my best friends. They were both open and sweet. Other people treated them horribly, even the teachers. So, I can agree with you on soooo many levels. Great discussion, by the way!! :)
1 person likes this
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
• Canada
29 Oct 07
If you continue to follow my discussions, I'm sure I'll be speaking of above child often. I admit it, she's my favorite and I would adopt her on the spot if it ever came to that. Her TA has told me on several occasions she is glad I am involved in her life because she will see that someone does care. Someone does have faith. Someone will love and care for her. Even though she's autistic and mostly non verbal, she's speaks loud and clear! She is overly concerned when we read a book and there's a picture of a child crying. I love it when she looks up with such a concerned expression on her face and says OK? OK? :) Yes dear the baby is OK!
She needed to inspect her brother's wounds when he tripped and cut his knee and again OK? OK?. She is sooo affectionate (well she is with my family, don't get me started on her own family). We get hugs all the time and my all time favorite is when she lays her head on my shoulder. This child has sooooo much to offer in this world and she was my inspiration for starting this discussion. It makes me so angry when I see others treat these little children with disrespect, especially from their own families. Thanks for posting!
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
25 Oct 07
Everyone deserves to have a chance, in life, in education and right to be loved by their family.
As a child, I saw myself as just one of those many average children. Who's lucky enough to study and graduate on schools, as I believe I was more priviledge.
I remember one time, during my elementary days, that we have a classmate who's already a mature enough to have a decent job. That we found out he's also suffering from "mental disability" since birth, so we treated him the same as what we NORMAL kids are. At that age, I already got aware of their conditions, I am glad that he has somehow given me a clear picture of understanding them..
@MommaOfAllTrades (969)
• Canada
26 Oct 07
I am really glad you had that experience! Thank you for sharing!
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
13 Jan 08
how true.
a dear close family to us has huntington's disease in it - several members succombing to this disease that deteriorates the neurological make up. they also have a little girl who is ten but with the abilities of a 5 or 6 mo old, she is such a delight! I mean, really who does not love a 6 mo old anyhow? they are very endearing...
I believe this little girl to be a living saint.
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