Wider Application

Via The Cryptic Cripple Tumblr blog.

Really well done. Similar posters could be made to deliver the same type of message to disabled people of all genders and ages, too, including disabled children and teens, and elderly people with age-related impairments.

Deceptively Simple

There are millions of variations of course, but it seems like most people approach disability and disability issues in one of three modes: angry, ironic, or sentimental.

Things We Say About Disability

We are fine. Yes, we have disabilities, but that makes no difference to our capabilities. Just give us a chance, treat us like everyone else, and we will succeed.

We could be fine, if we had a few basic supports in place, but because of bureaucratic stupidity, the persistence of bad, outdated policies, and general public apathy, we are still denied access to proven services we already know would work for us.

We would be fine, but we are battered and bruised every day by the terrible beliefs, insensitivity, and severely misguided practices of the people around us. Even our families and closest friends sometimes don’t really “get” us.

Listen, sometimes we aren’t fine at all. We hurt. We feel sick. We feel worthless. Some days we can barely get out of bed, and we never know ahead of time when those days will be. When we are at our best, we can do a lot, but frankly, we’re very rarely at our best. Not enough people understand that.

The trouble is, they are all true.

The Independence Inversions

If you need a lot of help with everyday self-care, then you're not safe and home care agencies won't serve you. If you need less help, then you may not qualify for home care at all.

If you have family around to contribute to your care, then you'll get less home care. If you don't have any additional support systems, then home care doesn't want to take responsibility for your safety and may refuse services altogether.

The Credibility Conundrum

If you are disabled, then your judgement and objectivity can't be trusted. On the other hand, if you demonstrate sound judgement and express sensible ideas, then you must not be truly disabled, which means that your ideas about disability aren't relevant to actual disabled people.

Weird

Disabled people aren't weird. We're normal ... just like everyone else. Nothing to see here! What are you looking at?

Of course, we ARE weird. The point is, it's okay to be weird. In fact, under the right circumstances, being weird can be kind of fun. That includes even disability-weird.

Another Bit On Disability Gear ...

I posted my thing about adaptive equipment just a few minutes ago, and then found this on Tumblr:

"do u ever sit in an office chair and end up smacking the sides because you are looking for the pushrims” — bittersnurr

“Yup” — winglessdemon

Here's The Thing ...

There's not much point in making something "almost" accessible.

Here's The Thing ...

Some images of disabled people are really cool and empowering. Others are sweet and sentimental. Which kind you prefer depends a lot, and says a lot, about your personality.