I find it interesting that people in academia approach diversity in a way
that's most comfortable to them....let's write an instruction manual and
teach people the "right" way to interact.
A lesson I have learned from the diversity work I have done with Corporations
is this one: People always say, "just tell me what to do and I'll do
it"...however, they only start to "get diversity" when they feel it in their
gut through their own personal interactions and experiences. Once they "get
it", they know what to do.
If the format must be a book, I think it would be more enlightening to put
together a book of personal stories and experiences, what it's like to try to
exist in an "able-ist" (is that a term?) world--in this way you begin to
foster understanding. I'm not saying that everyone's experiences are the
same, but I believe once you begin to hear people's stories you become much
more aware, and also can often relate their experiences to your own
experiences, and also your own behavior towards people who are different. It
would also be much more interesting to read, and may get some dialogue going
on these issues.
Just a suggestion...
Diane King, MS, OTR
AMC Cancer Research Center
Denver, CO
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