My Definition Of Disability Analysis

The word philosophy is derived from a 14th century word philosophia meaning “love of wisdom.” The most current definition is “the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group.” (Merriam Webster) As an individual moving into a field that will be providing education, support, and advocacy for children, it is important to analyze and understand my beliefs around the population I will be working and the role I plan to take as well as get external validation from observations and/or interviews in the field.

My definition of a disability is a diagnosable effect on the intellectual, physical, emotional, or social aspects of the individual’s functioning. The dictionary definition is “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental

Some of these disabilities are invisible, while others are very noticeable. In either situation, said person with a disability should have a choice on the accommodations they receive and how they are treated or ‘handled.’ Different methods of communication may be needed; however, simply including the individual and asking if they’re interested in participating creates a more positive environment. Individuals with disabilities have worked just as hard, if not more, to get to the place they hold in school, work, or at a university. The most detrimental thing to anybody’s state of mind is to not be taken seriously or to be put at a lower priority because of a disability. This is a society, or habitual, reaction that determines how individuals with disabilities are treated. If one person makes a conscious effort, so will more around

My boss has a child with disabilities, but also a brother born disabled. I asked her experience as a sibling growing up and now. Her parents were told that her brother, Ian, would not survive so they may as well just institutionalize him. At the time, they lived in Alexandria, Virginia. They were considered city and not eligible for Fairfax county public schools special education program. The option for Alexandria City, at the time, was to be bussed to Rockville, Maryland. When Ian was ready for school, they moved into a part of Alexandria where they were considered Fairfax county. Ian is now working in the white house 5 days a week. Beth related that she was often taking care of both her siblings and was made to feel like she needed to be perfect. Her parents were very strict, but even more so with her than her brothers. She was able to sit through the IEP process with her brother and says that it has helped with her own son, Ben. She says that while a lot has changed, she feels that she has an upper hand because she knows what to look for and how to find information she is able to utilize. Working with Beth has been a wealth of knowledge both hands-on with Ben and networking with the community she has introduced me