Take Away from guest speaker Dr. Kiesling "History of treatment of individuals with Disabilities"

     It always baffles me to know that we as humans can sometimes treat each other so inhumanly. I realize taking a look back to our past history is necessary and important in order to see where we have come from, understand the gains we have made, and see areas where we still need to improve upon, in order to continue to move forward but it sure does hurt my heart in the process. As I was rereading the slides of the presentation and came across the one in which it says, “Some people were born to be a burden on the rest” I immediately thought to myself it should have read something like this, “Some people are born to teach you how to live with compassion and love”. Some of my greatest teachers have been children and adults with special needs. 

     The story of Rosemary Kennedy, was definitely tragic and angering. The need for people to look so perfect at the "game of life" is really a disservice at our chance to connect with one another on a more genuine level. Hearing the story of Rosmary Kennedy reminded me of another well known figure who also had a child with a developmental disability. Erik H. Erikson, the influential physiologist who came up with theories of child development had a son named Neil, who was born with Downs Syndrome. Erik who was influenced in his decision by the well known cultural anthropologist  Margaret Mead, decided to send his son to be institutionalized right after birth. How could people who were in the field of studying other people and behavior, shun their own. I really do not understand that mind set. I realize that society as a whole helped to play a part in the mindset that was already established at that time but these were figures who were in the forefront, who they themselves were collecting data and publishing papers that in-turn influenced others. Just think if they had been courageous enough to stand up for their loved ones who were not "typical". Maybe proper education on how to treat one another with resect and kindness could have come about sooner.  

     Well it is a good thing that as humans we can also be persistent. There are people out in the world that do care and will fight for the proper treatment and equal rights of others. As a mother, I give major props to Ed Roberts mom, Zona Roberts for not backing down. Her persistence for her son gave way to the better treatment of so many more through her fight for proper public education and health care for Ed. Ed himself being an inspiration to so many through his self advocacy, hard work, and determination. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about Liz Winetraub and her efforts to advocate for proper judicial treatment of individuals with disabilities.

    The positive news is that we have come a long way from the barbaric treatment of individuals with disabilities. The work now is to keep the momentum moving forward in spreading awareness of equal treatment and equal opportunities for people living with a disability. I intend on continuing to learn from as well as be an advocate for the lives of these individuals, for they have had a profound and positive impact on my life.