You might be one of the millions of people in our society who prefers not to think about the fact that there is an entire population of individuals in our society - indeed, throughout the world - who were born and now live with mental retardation. It's ok, I don't blame you if you are. It's common to go through life without really paying attention to world of the mentally retarded population. You might see someone with Downs Syndrome, as they pass you on the sidewalk and feel mildly uncomfortable because of their buggy eyes, or their over sized tongue, or their squinty eyes. But you quickly pass by and after trying to make sense of WHY they look so different, chances are you just forget about them. Besides, it might be easier to forget about them and get back into your comfort zone again.
This blog is dedicated to talking about that subset of our society who are widely considered "invisible" by everyone else. There is a lot of information out there that discusses the stigma that society has against persons with mental retardation and I intend to share it with you throughout this blog. Below is a video featuring Chris Burke (a.k.a. "Corky") who discusses Downs Syndrome and what people who live with it are like. It's a short clip, but I'm sharing it with you in order to introduce you to one of the aspects of mental retardation; just in case you need an introduction.
What do I think of? My first thoughts are negative. Never thought of that before. But, I am happy to say that because of what we have learned a few seconds after those old, instilled negative thoughts....some positive ones come to mind only seconds after.
ReplyDeleteAdam, I am really glad you picked this as your topic. And the video was a great finishing touch. All too often I feel that people do ignore the fact that they are missing out on meeting a whole group of new and different people, just because they are different from us. Also, had I not been exposed very early on and throughout my life to individuals who had to face the challenges of being a person diagnosed with mental retardation- I likely would be just as ignorant. I also like that you note that Down Syndrome is just ONE aspect of this spectrum, all to often people just assume (just like with mental illness) that any individual affected has the same syndrome or disorders.
ReplyDeleteAdam, a resource for you could be looking up the town of GEEL BELGIUM. For centuries this town has embraced people with differences and have them live and work within the communities as productive members of society. Another thing to look up is the Camp Hill movement in Kimberton PA. I worked at a home for people with mental illness there for 10 years, and there are group homes in the Camp HIll community where mentally handicapped people live as family member and work in a really great community. http://www.camphill.org/
ReplyDeleteGreat topic.
Adam, your blog made me think of something that had a profound effect on me. When I was about 21 or 22 I was out with a buddy and we stopped at his mothers place of employment to see his girlfriend who was volunteering. She worked at a center for the mentally retarded. I was nursing a wicked hangover and to say I looked disheveled would be an understatement. I did say a word, I just stood there for a few minutes and we left. Later that night we met up with the "gang" and my buddy told me that other workers were wondering why he was traveling around with a patient. Everyone howled laughing. Everyone but me. I imagined having to put up with that kind of crap all the time. About a minute later the Corky jokes started. I simply got up and left.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me think of something I mentioned in class last week. I used to work for a company called Threshold Rehabilitation. The department I worked in helped people with certain types of disabilities find jobs. It was so fulfilling to see the joy in some of these folks when they were told they get to go to work! They just want to be like you and I. This is a great topic, can't wait for your presentation.
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