Every now and then this issue is debated and seems to be a powerful magnet to attract many more to join in. Like myself although wondering whether I should or shouldn't!
I am a wheelchair user with CMT type of muscular dystrophy and I have no difficulties with using the term impairments. However I also have ADHD and severe dyslexia and these conditions are just as real as my muscular dystrophy. In fact my ADHD and dyslexia causes me more difficulties participating in society than my physical impairment.
This is why I set up a web site called "Hi2u 4 people with hidden impairments". Because I was well aware of how much society is starting to make appropriate alterations to both hardware (our buildings and equipment) and our software (laws, regulations and red tape) to accommodate those with noticeable impairments. I personally don't think the equivalent has been done for those with medical conditions that are not so noticeable for other members of society to see or visualise.
So I used the term "Hidden impairments" I have an article on this site I composed with voice recognition software soon after the site opened in May 2000. You can see this at the following link;
http://www.hi2u.org/hidden_impairments.htm
I think that was just before joining this list. I was unaware of the "neuro diverse" angle of voicing recognition for people with neurological differences. Larry has certainly given me much to think about regarding this issue.
However my dyslexia is very severe I'm unable to write a shopping list or anything similar without my voice recognition software. So I certainly feel my neurological difference is an impairment just like my physical impairment. I don't disagree the one may more than make up for this with other skills at people with impairments can have.
However I don't believe that the social model of disability, is a framework that understands or provides support to ensure equal opportunities are just as available for "hidden impairments" as other impairments. And I have both so I believe it's reasonable for myself to make his comment.
You may also be interested to read an article my son who has ADHD and high functioning Autism, that is also up on site. He wrote this last year when he was 15 and was concerned about a debate on another list. The article is called "why not call disability, disability?" You can see this at the following link;
http://www.hi2u.org/visitors/why_disability.htm
Well I have to disappear as tomorrow is the first opportunity my son gets to participate with mainstream secondary school at the age of 16 and I'm hoping he will do well with his AS subjects.
Site has been down for a couple of days however everything seems working OK now however should there be any difficulties try again later.
Andy
www.hi2u.org
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