THE VALUE OF LIFE WITH A DISABILITY

Most of society sees people with disabilities as persons who are flawed, pitiful and without dignity. But we see ourselves as a vital and proud community, with values of our own that enhance our quality of life, values that could enhance life for all:

1) tolerance for others' differences (racial, intellectual, financial/class)

2) matter-of-fact orientation toward helping; acceptance of human interdepencence over rugged individualism

3) high tolerance for lack of resolution, living with unknowns or less-than-ideal outcomes

4) characteristic dark humor, laughing at the oppressor, finding humor in almost any aspect of life

5) highly developed skills at managing multiple problems, systems, and helpers

6) creativity, lack of rigidity, ability to use traditional elements in new ways to solve problems

7) sophisticated future orientation; planning around anticipated obstacles

8) abiltity to read others' attitudes; skill at filling in the gaps and sorting out contradictory messages