Today is International Day of People with a Disability. This piece by my friend James O'Brien is well worth a read.
The Victorian State Library also published an interesting read, showing a photo of a woman from olden times who could sew with her feet. In the post, I really liked seeing the very obvious joy de vivre of the two people in wheelchairs, the photo taken by the marvellous but late Rennie Ellis.
.jpg)
.jpg)
It’s inspiring to see stories and images that celebrate both resilience and the joy of life on International Day of People with a Disability
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, Roentare.
DeleteI LOVED Stella for talking about disability porn.
DeleteGive me a fair go and stop carrying on about how inspirational we are.
It does make one realize just how much I take for granted.
ReplyDeleteI remember feeling shocked when I applied for a special landline 'phone with features for the hard of hearing, as the sales person told me that I would receive a discount due to being disabled. I never considered myself as a disabled person, just someone who can't hear very well.
ReplyDeleteUniversal design makes life easier for everyone, ramps instead of steps, power door openers, wider doors. A few months of severe mobility limitations taught me so much (and I am one of the lucky ones that had a measurable recovery.) And so true that most disabilities, or differences in ability, are hidden.
ReplyDeleteYour friend's piece gives pause for thought.
ReplyDeleteI've often read stories of people painting with their feet; it's amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo. :) As an aside, I'm glad Mr. O'Brien didn't lose his knee.
ReplyDeleteDarla, he lost more than that, his leg.
DeleteYes this is very Soulful and uplifting and thank you so much for sharing it, Andrew. Unsettling times in America but things are getting interestingly hopeful. Going through the hospice/dementia journey with my husband of 40 years is a full time job. Thank you for your visits and support! Aloha
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing towards your friend James O'Brien, very interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the difficulties first hand with D-I-L and her second amputation. Ramps are added in every doorway that has a step to it, the front door is only just wide enough to accommodate the wheelchair, the tiny bathroom almost inaccessible with the shower door being only wide enough for an upright person to step through and non-slip mats have had to be bought for shower and bathroom floor. The backyard is lower than the rest of the house and there are three sets of brick and concrete steps, but no ramps....
ReplyDeleteRiver, I can't believe what her situation must be like. Yet, as I pick up, she gets on with it.
Delete