Actually, I know it is so... Last night on Jay Leno the President of the United States bemoaned his poor bowling skill saying that "it was as if he were in Special Olympics or something."
Sigh.
And sensing there had been a gaffe his staff stated to somebody that the President really respects Special Olympics.
Sigh again...
See, here's the deal Mr. President,
I know it was off hand and unintentional. I know you nearly never make disparaging remarks about races, genders, creeds, sexual orientations or other differences. I know that you support people with disabilities in many, many ways. And you never talk about diversity without including those with disabilities.
And that's the point.
Ableism is so ingrained in our society that even our FRIENDS don't recognize it.
It's not that this was the worst gaffe in the world, and heaven knows it wasn't the worst we've ever heard--nor will it be the last, I'm sure.
It does, however, have more.... cachet... shall we say, coming from the president.
I am only speaking for myself when I say this, I am willing to forgive, but I do have something to ask:
Do something about this that matters.
There are a ton of opportunities this month alone to take a stand that could turn this negative moment into something that makes things better in our culture for people with disabilities.
Leverage this error into opportunity. Please.
Tomorrow is 3/21, World Down Syndrome Day, a day to celebrate Down syndrome, (also know as Trisomy 21.)
Too soon?
That's ok, there's plenty more:
3/31 is Spread the Word to End the Word day--a day to unite to ask for respectful language about disability--specifically to teach about the hurtful effect of "the R-word." It is sponsored by Special Olympics and there are cool t-shirts!
There are bills coming before congress soon with the power to build new possibility for those with disabilities like the Community Choice Act (scheduled for 3/24 last I heard), the CLASS Act... and others.
The president of the AUCD gave testimony before the HELP committee yesterday about the value of the University Centers of Excellence on Disability and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental (and related) Disabilities programs that they run.
And that's just what I can come up in my bleary early morning state.
Make a statement, not an apology to a program--great though it is--make a statement that brings recognition and respect to people with disabilities.
Help the disability community by turning this stumbling block into a stepping stone (or better yet, a ramp!)
Picture from here.
