Disability, a word which implies lacking an ability, not having something, physically, mentally or both. How and who determines that? In a modern, hyperconnected and rather scientifically advanced world with cures and cares available, does it still make sense for these attributions to still exist, have them determined by social and medical parameters in order to decide on which side of the line you are? Or rather a more integrated worldview where such physical or mental impediments are not an obstacle to everyday life, communication, integration, just basically…life!
As an ecopsychological enterprise once more Rescogita would like to point out at ecological solutions, ecology of the environment as well as that of human communities, which translates as harmony. Plenty of ailments affecting body and mind today are a result of deeper social problems, regardless of COVID19, mental health is being regarded the true plague of the XXI century, striking at any age manifesting depression, anxiety, and many more symptoms, that’s right! Symptoms as the illness is to be found elsewhere; in a hectic lifestyle, in broken and torn apart communities and principle where wolf eats wolf, in the pessimistic outlook to a future of economic and human crisis with the looming and already happening climate and environmental disaster, and the grief that we have let this happen and don’t know how to turn this thing around.
In this scenario we must relearn (and rethink) the significance of human community where each is a learner and teacher where the focus is on the abilities of each and the added value brought, rather than implying a lesser value, true equality achieved through mutual valorisation, regardless of its entity and size. The key is empathy.
Recalling years ago a trip to Budapest and visiting a social enterprise called “Ability Park” run by people with physical and mental “different-abilities”, and to enter this place you need to sit on a wheel chair and climb a ramp, and most people don’t have enough arm muscle to do so with a massive effort, therefore the guard at the entrance, on a wheel chair helps you, making you feel powerless, and inside there were different rooms you could visit. In one of them a blind man would guide you through a treasure hunt in a dark room for example, and in every room, you, supposedly able-bodied and minded are utterly useless. This is their world, as opposite to our world, progress and yet what we need is Our world, barrierless, inclusive and valorising each contribution.
LN