Don't Dis Anyone's Ability!

   

 DON'T DIS ANYONE'S ABILITY 

2-15-22 Foundations 425

                    Inclusion, disability, and equity were strong topics of our discussion today in our Foundation's course. We were introduced to the Pennhurst Institution documentary today which is centered around how in the early-mid 1900's citizens who had any type of disability (small or large) were treated as if they were an outsider to society. They got shunned for something they could not help- they are all simply just innocent human beings who need a little extra assistance daily. In this time period, they were kept away from everyone due to the community wanting to maintain a certain image. What surprised me more, was that Pennhurst lacked federal funding, so the methods of care and treatment for the patients were downright barbaric. So, not only were they dropped off by loved one's due to lack of acceptance, but they were treated so very poorly and digressing. This opened my eyes to how important inclusion and proper treatment for those who have intellectual disabilities is. It can allow them to be independent, happy, flourish and have a normal life. 

                     I was very excited to write a blog post because I received permission personally to write about one of my favorite people who has impacted my life in such a positive way. This person's name to me and every Northwestern State University Student is "Coach Black". Coach Black has an intellectual disability, but that has never slowed him down one bit. The university I attended coined Coach Black as the "coach for every sport". He has been a coach at Northwestern State for as long as I can remember. He finds the time to attend every single practice, game, and even keeps up with every student athlete or faculty member that has left Northwestern State. I frequently receive a "miss you" Facebook message every week, and it never fails to put the biggest smile on my face. Coach Black is aware of every single detail of each student athlete when it comes down to an individual's sport statistics, or even your phone number (without caller ID!!). I could not imagine a world where Coach Black was not treated equally compared to any other person I encounter daily. He is so attentive to detail and one of the most hard-working humans I have ever met. He truly makes an impact on everyone he meets and has the biggest heart. 

Coach Black And I 

                My takeaway from today's class and my beloved Coach Black is that no one should ever have to fight for their civil rights in any world I live in. We are all human and we should all support each other no matter the circumstance. Those who are considered to have an intellectual disability, small or big, deserve so much good in this world because this is their own lives to live and embrace as well! I am so proud to say that we live in a time period where this is becoming more and more important and brought to attention. As a future OT practitioner, I am so thrilled to be able to provide the proper care and give the right amount of love and patience that each one of my clients will need because it's imperative to their individual lives in order to progress and live a fulfilling life. Let's all be advocates for this cause!!