Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Art of the Argument

Constantly treated as if they are lower than the average person, Dr. Andrea Leary recently explained in her lecture that adults as well as children with intellectual and developmental diseases long to be treated as equals amongst us. Throughout Dr. Andrea Leary’s presentation on the “Art of the Argument” it is clear through the individuals who came and spoke with intellectual and developmental diseases that they are fully able to portray their sincerity and liveliness despite of what others think about their mental state of mind. The presentation not only gave me a new perspective on others with disabilities but it also opened my eyes on the negativity that people have towards these types of people.

Many people believe that people with disabilities are not human or may not even deserve the same as an average healthy individual. Being the same species there is no doubt in my mind after the presentation that makes me think that anyone with any type of disability should be treated any less or more different in terms of rights and opportunities. During the presentation there was a married couple that was both suffered from both intellectual and developmental diseases. Even with their illness the two explained how they were still able to maintain many if not all the normal things that a normal family does themselves. Having not only pets but friends and a social life, there is no reason to regard anyone who is able to manage this as “different.”

The presentation not only preached the message of treating people with disabilities as equals but also with providing more funds to help the disabled take advantage of some of the things that they are entitled to as a human being. Maryland being one of the lowest supporting states in the United States towards people with disabilities, many individuals are unable to support themselves and gain proper care such as checkups so that they can be as self-sufficient as possible. It is important for us as a civilization to help others in an effort to allow them to live a life as normal as possible.

In My Mistress’ Eyes are Nothing like the Sun Shakespeare gives that accusation that everyone has some flaw about them. It is the differences that we share that make us who we are. When hearing the accounts of the couple in the presentation you could tell that they were frustrated at what people thought about them. Recalling that the most frustrating time in their life is when people don’t think they aren’t intelligent enough to understand what they are saying. In When I Consider How My Light Is Spent, John Milton describes how “God doth not need man,” yet we are here and regardless of our status in life or physical capabilities it is important to help other live a joyful live. Listening to the accounts of these individuals with intellectual and developmental diseases bears many phrases and meaningful expression. However, in Elizabeth Gilbert’s “One Word” I would have to say the one world that I got from the presentation was “Hope.” Hope that one day people with intellectual and developmental disabilities could live everyday unafraid of what medically was going to become of them and the ability to live a life of choice and decision.

It is important to take into consideration that like the readings, no one is perfect but yet we all have a purpose in live, one word that shows who we are as a person. No matter what our gender, color, or physical capabilities are we all deserve a chance to impact the world in our own special ways.

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