But if I, as a deaf person, had more access to sign language interpreters in
education and services, subtitles on TV and movies, better education
services that help deaf realise their potential, employers willing to take
us on (So that we earn our own money) and so on. Then I would not have to
DEPEND on other people, consequently cannibalising their lives physically,
mentally, and emotionally (not that I do).
I think the real problem is that the society we live in, won't make the
necessary adjustments to accommodate the disabled in the everyday fabric of
living. When someone is excluded from participating, it's going to cost the
state or society to look after them (because it in its greater benevolence
cannot quite discard them - us?) making it an economic and social cost, with
nothing going back.
So tell me, what is the better use of resources - providing a cochlear
implant for ONE deaf person to benefit from, or ploughing the same money
into a sign language interpreter, thereby benefiting far more deaf people.
If it's not the money, then it's the fact that society is not comfortable
with us, does not know how to deal with us, ad infinitum.
I wrote the above in response to the following:
I agree with Laurence that if people choose to be trappist monks, gay,
black, or belong to the flat earth society, that is fine it is their
choice and does not have much impact much on the rest of the world.
Disability by choice seems somewhat different. Marketing seems to open
interesting possibilities: boutique/niche marketing, one stop shop
supermarket style, mailorder or e-commerce' take your pick.
What concerns me more is the impact of 'disability by choice' will have
on others: To me disability equates with 'abnormal dependence'.
Dependence on others. Supporting those who are disabled without having
contributed to it, is a community responsibility. I argue that if people
become disabled through a deliberate decision they forfeit this right.
In practice this will not happen: their dependence will canabalize other
people's lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. The economic and
social cost to the community are to me equally unacceptable.
I believe that disability by choice should be discouraged on moral
grounds, as we discourage armed robbery, murder, rape and incest.
have a good time, rgds John
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