3-14-19 Knowledge Check

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Today's presentation brought light to and made several horrors we already knew to be true more of a reality. People with disabilities have always been treated differently and punished for something that they have absolutely no control over. Although this matter is starting to get dealt with and taking strides in the right direction, there are still many things that should be done for equality and the rights of those with disabilities. Decisions are typically made for them and they are not given the right or voice that should be given to every human no matter the intelligence and social participation. 

There are still accessibility measures that should be taken on people's behalf. We have come a long way as a society, however, in the last century it was a struggle to have access to wheelchair ramps, handicapped public transportation, or even bathroom stalls large enough for wheelchairs to fit. There were little to no curb cuts in the sidewalks and people who were different at all were definitely looked at as such. 

Dr. Keisling spoke on the IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) and that was something we have discussed in great detail in this course so far. This act states that all people have the right to an education. School systems can not turn away a child due to a disability. He also mentioned that terms such as "Idiot" and "Moron" were once used as just medical terminology but has since morphed into offensive slang. One thing that I will make sure to remember while practicing, is that words can kill. Words can kill motivation, inspiration, and esteem. I never want a patient to feel like they are a diagnosis or an illness, I want them to feel like that can overcome it and they should know that they are so much more than just a disability. A disability is just a statement and all people should know they are not defined by one statement. 

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