From Disabled to Differently-Abled
By Maria Mooney
In a society that values youth, independence, materialism, and duality, the term “disability” has been marred with negativity, much to my dismay, which stigmatizes the victim. Today, I am honored to present to you an alternative, empowering way of viewing illness and disability. My personal experiences with a progressive neurological disease, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS), have provided me with first hand experience and perspective on disability. At 25 years old, I am pursuing a Master’s degree, trying to build a life and future for myself, and desperately searching for a cure, all while navigating a society that is not structured for the disabled individual. In the first few years of my illness, I received the message from society loud and clear that I was officially “less than” because of my newfound limitations. Would I ever hold a job? Could I pursue a Master’s Degree? Would I ever be “whole” again? Overtime, I learned the answer to these questions was a “yes.” I chose to value my unique experiences and talents despite the negativity I received from others. Allow me to explain what brought us to this point in the first place.
If you are currently or ever have been a patient of traditional medicine, you have likely been subject (or victim) to the Biomedical Model of medicine, the predominant model used by physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases. According to this model, health narrowly equals the absence of disease, pain, or defect, and its focus on the physical processes of the body neglects social/environmental factors and individual subjectivity. The patient is not considered a partner in diagnosis and treatment, and the doctor-patient relationship is left uncultivated or even non-existent. Prevention of disease is omitted, and long-term treatment of chronic conditions, especially chronic pain, “scares the pants off” of the treating professionals, for lack of a better term. In other words, the Biomedical Model is severely lacking, and it sets the stage for the stigmatization of the disabled individual, viewing disability as an individual defect. The disabled individual is then viewed as “less than” by society, setting the stage for negative view of self, shame, embarrassment, isolation, and a plethora of harmful emotions—not once considering that it may be the environment that is lacking, not the individual (Orto, 2007).
A second, more comprehensive model, the Biopsychosocial Model of illness and disability, considers biology, mental/emotional health, and social environment when treating the individual. The patient is considered an informed partner in his/her treatment, coupled with professional help from a multi-disciplinary team, and all parts of the patient’s life are discussed and manipulated for optimal health and wellness. Rather than viewing the disabled individual as “less than,” he/she is considered a whole person facing an environment that lacks proper resources. Blame is shifted away from the victim and onto the environment, replacing the term “disabled” with “differently-abled” (Orto, 2007).
Empowerment is a running theme in models like the Biopsychosocial and Chronic Care Models of illness and disability, which include patient-centered, individualized, comprehensive, and compassionate care from a competent, multi-disciplinary team (Orto, 2007). Just because a person is “differently-abled” does not mean he/she is worth less than an individual who does not have a disability. In fact, while disability often comes with pain and hardship, it simultaneously offers valuable life lessons, empathy, compassion, and a unique world view that cannot be bottled and sold. If it could, I would be a millionaire, and the world would be a better place!
Instead of viewing illness and disability as negatives, no matter how difficult, let us take the focus off of the internal and turn it to the external. If our environments are lacking, then move forward and proactively create the change you wish to see. Call or write your Senator, contact your local television station, take some courses in social welfare, start a petition, etc… Do not believe the story society has written for us about disability being an individual deficit, and re-write your own story about individual empowerment, contentment, and fulfillment despite your challenges.
Maria is a 25 year old, vegan graduate student living with a progressive neurological disease, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Follow along as Maria reflects on lessons learned through her health challenges, shares her experiences with alternative and traditional treatments, and enjoys life to its fullest at her blog!
Orto, A.E.D., Ph.D., C.R.C., & Power, P.W., Sc.D., C.R.C. ( 2007). The Psychological and Social Impacts of Illness and Disability. New York, NY: Springer Publishing
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- Posted by Guest Blogger on March 9, 2010 at 5:00 am
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Tagged as: disability, empowerment, illness, integrative medicine
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*Another* awesome post, Maria. Way to go!
Very inspiring, as always
Thank you, ladies! I appreciate you reading it with your busy lives! xoxo
Yay Maria!!! Another inspiring post! Keep on healing, girlie! Love ya! XO!
This is great! Thank You!
Very inspirational – thank you! Great post!
I really like this. As someone who is differently abled, I think I will try contacting my local government to advise that we need better support.
Great post Maria! You have such a positive outlook, very inspiring.
Thank you so much for all of your kind words! Annie, great idea! YOU can make a difference!
I love this!
Its great article and personally I’ve had alot of problems accepting that I could be termed disabled, I’m definitely not able-bodied, as my body is not able to do a whole lot! But I just don’t see myself as disabled, so from now on I’m going to use your term and think of myself as “differently-abled”! Thanks!
You rock, girl! As always you are a ray of bright sunshine!
Hugs,
J
Maria, Wonderful piece and I am so excited to see how your thoughts on being differently-disabled change as you grow into your spiritual awareness! You know what I mean by this I am certain! You are an amazing individual who will bring so much to this new world of yours as you struggle, journey and HEAL through it. Namaste my new friend. xoxo
missmilki, I am so glad this post has helped you in your journey toward acceptance xoxo
Jeanne, thank you!
Lynn, I couldn’t do it without you! Your guidance is much needed xoxo Thank you!
Thank you! I don’t like “disabled” any better than “handicapped” but couldn’t think of a better word.
great article. we need a lot more education on this in the medical field.
Maria, I love what you have to say. I read Kris’ blog for personal inspiration, and my paid job is as a writer in health services research. New Health Partnerships is a great resource for training your healthcare teams how to work collaboratively – with you, on what’s meaningful and important to YOU. http://www.newhealthpartnerships.org/
Namaste,
Dona
Wonderful perspective, Maria, and I am so grateful for your posting from the Orto material. I have a new book to read, it looks like.
Wonderful story!
My name is Mushtaq about 50 years old I m physicaly disable with my both legs but can walk with hanger and also on wheelchair I m M.A (International Relation) and LLB from University of Karachi, Pakistan. I can do indoor jobs. I m seeking where can i get help because I want to do some one to save my ego. How can I maint my chicken & health treatment expenditure. I have no source of income anywhere. I m seeking anywhere for jobs/financial help but still can not get chance both site. How can i get Canadian Visa from Pakistan. My real brother namely Altaf Hussain and their family Canadian national can he Support me legally to get canadain visa. or sponsorship me and how & where can i apply for this purpose. hope u will help and guide me waiting your favourable good response. I can not support fee of legal Advisor