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Module 1: Introduction and Defining Disability
What Is “Normal”?
Image source: http://theawesomedaily.com/51-awkward-family-photos-that-holds-nothing-back
Normalcy is the accepted average of a society, the norm or the standard. "Normal" is made up of rules for how a society should work and includes expected behaviors, values, thinking, feelings, beliefs, customs, and traditions. While "normal" defines what a society’s standards are, to a greater extent, "normal" becomes a definition of exclusion. It is defined on the absence of factors classified as undesirable, such as deviance, illness, and disability. What happens in a society is that many norms become ingrained, just a part of the way life works, and go unnoticed until someone bumps up or goes completely against these norms. People who stay within the confines of these norms are often unaware there is a classification system that includes characteristics that are judged. For those who do not fit into a society’s norms, however, they are constantly aware of this classification system and judgement they receive by others.
Normalcy is in the eyes of the beholder. As "normal" is made of social standards, it is a social construct. What one society deems as acceptable may be unacceptable in another society. There is actually no such thing as "normal." It is just a concept made up by a group of people.
As we explore the culture of disability this semester, we will learn that disability is a part of social norms, and that it falls into what is seen as not normal. We will also learn that while a person may have a chronic health condition, or is deaf, or is an amputee, this does not necessarily qualify one as having a disability. Disability itself can be nothing more than a construct. In fact, many disability advocacy groups view disability as an illusion, defined by social prejudice and environmental barriers that limit the potential of individuals who are simply different.
For example, many people in the Deaf community do not see themselves as having a disability and would be highly offended if it were suggested. Instead, many persons in the Deaf community have a strong sense of pride and, in fact, will use Deaf-first language to denote this pride referring to themselves as a "Deaf person."
Please watch this powerful TED talk with Aimee Mullins, a person with a double amputation. Pay particular attention to the first 5 minutes in which she provides the standard synonyms for "disability," how these words made her feel, how such words made her different from others, and what the labels placed on others are.
Disability rights activists also state that disability is a normal part of human development that affects almost everyone. Disability is viewed as an "equal opportunity situation" because everyone has the potential to acquire (get) a disability during their lifetime. With advances in medicine, nutrition, and technology, you are able to live longer lives. However, you are also now more likely to live with chronic health conditions. Therefore, you must be willing to see disability as something that affects everyone, and you must take steps to ensure everyone has a positive quality of life and equal rights.