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Tom and Beth's comments are good ones. We all need to continually understand that simple (and sometimes simplistic) observations are not where our discussions should end but where they ought to begin. However, I do think that one of the reasons that I like the notion that we'll all experience disability sooner or later, if we live long enough, is because it positions disability as part of the human condition, rather than as something that is only experienced by "them" and never by "us." And, there are plenty of issues of aging and disability, particularly with people with cognitive impairments, who are now living longer than ever, to ensure that we don't see the condition of aging any more stereotypically than necessary. Tim L. Timothy Lillie, PhD Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies Fellow, Institute for Life Span Development and Gerontology The University of Akron 322 Zook Hall Akron OH 44325-4205 330-972-6746 -----Original Message----- From: The Disability-Research Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Beth Omansky, Ph.D. Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 2:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Non-disabled versus Able bodied Yes, I agree with Tom wholeheartedly. Furthermore, to assume all elderly people become disabled is an ageist stereotype which was disputed by a metastudy Betty Friedan conducted in the 1990's, a book titled, The Fountain of Age. Beth Beth Omansky, Ph.D. Portland, OR, USA In a message dated 7/24/2009 5:14:44 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: "This does however miss one major factor in life, that is, that at some time or another, we all are all disabled. Some for a short time but many others, more permanently such as in old age. " Whilst many (perhaps most) people will at some time other experience temporary IMPAIRMENT even for a long period. I am unconvinced that this is the same as the ongoing grinding effect of the wider social barriers disabled people face. 4 months in a wheelchair with a broken leg might well give you insight into issues of access but probably not into discrimination, stereotyping and institutionalised barriers. I had an interesting experience last year when as a long time wheelchair user I broke my leg and was in a cast for some weeks. The way I was treated as someone who looked "temporarily injured" rather than disabled was fascinating. I even had one caring soul at the Ortho's clinic demand to know why I "Got a wheelchair" when they had to struggle on crutches! Tom **************A bad credit score is 600 & below. Checking won't affect your score. See now! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377105x1201454426/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgI D=62&bcd=JulyBadfooterNO62) ________________End of message________________ This Disability-Research Discussion list is managed by the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds (www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies). Enquiries about list administration should be sent to [log in to unmask] Archives and tools are located at: www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html You can VIEW, POST, JOIN and LEAVE the list by logging in to this web page. ________________End of message________________ This Disability-Research Discussion list is managed by the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds (www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies). Enquiries about list administration should be sent to [log in to unmask] Archives and tools are located at: www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/disability-research.html You can VIEW, POST, JOIN and LEAVE the list by logging in to this web page.