Persons with Disabilities and Human Potential
One person cannot possibly know everything, there is too much to experience in life. We are all individuals, and collective knowledge must be experienced through a sharing process. The sharing process itself is expressed through such things as writing, speaking, the arts, and other forms of communication. Efforts to communicate with one another to promote shared knowledge concerning experiences in life must be done with all honesty, openness, and as much individual ability as each one of us can muster from within.
Participation in the sharing of information process must come from every level of society. People from every race, class, gender, and cultural background need to participate. No matter what your station in life, the experiences you have encountered represent highly valuable information that can help fellow humanity in many instances. Shared knowledge and information may be our best ability to help one another grow, and improve society as a whole.
The entire range of the human experience is present within the communities you witness around you, and on Earth at large, through individuals. We are all a part of the Human Family, and like every family we tend to squabble with each other. We must not let that squabbling interfere with our own growth. The divisiveness among us cannot be greater than the unity between us, or we shall perish. Instead of looking for fault in your fellow person, look for opportunity – what can you do for them? What can you share with them that will enhance their life? What can they teach you that will enhance your life?
While it is wise to be aware of individuals who are potentially dangerous and avoid them, it is equally wise to listen to others, and share. A seemingly casual conversation can promote a sharing of information and knowledge that enhances both of your lives. Be aware of the resources around you to the extent you are able, and use those resources. Interact with the people involved with those resources. Share the information, knowledge, and experience you have, so that both the people involved with those resources and you will grow.
There is a tendency, on the part of individuals in positions of power in offices in high places, to categorize fellow persons in society making them appear somehow less worthy. The categorization of persons must end; it greatly inhibits the sharing process, and creates a lack of respect for others. Always remember: Whether you are The President of The United States of America, a CEO of a major Corporation, a Professor at a major University, a Person living in the streets of Calcutta, a Leader of a non-profit organization, or anyone else – you are a Human Being. Your station in life, and the achievements you have accomplished, does not make you any, “better,” than any other individual in the world. While those achievements are something to be proud of, they do not give you the right to disregard the experiences of other Human Beings, or to view them as somehow, “less,” than you in any respect.
The person living in the streets of Calcutta, perhaps unable to spell their own name, may very well be able to teach you. Openness to opportunity of learning through shared knowledge and information, presented by any single human being on the planet, is crucial if humanity as a whole is to grow. There are people in prison, for example: Why have they done the things they have? There are people who are dedicated to the arts; why? Healthcare in America is in a precarious position; who are the people involved in the medical community? What do they have to say about it? What do the consumers of the healthcare itself have to say? There are seemingly endless examples to be provided where the need for shared knowledge and information is concerned. This information must come from us – Humanity, and the sharing process must not be inhibited by anything that can be prevented.
Persons with Disabilities, I feel, are the people to lead the world down the path towards a more open communication of shared knowledge and information. We represent every single race, class, gender, culture and ability around the world. We have seen every social circumstance; from deep poverty to the achievement of Doctoral degrees and high offices. We have known stigma, outright prejudice, great love, humility, and every range of emotion you can imagine. Our spiritual values cover the entire realm of human experience. Physically, we have experienced every condition known to human kind. Our experiences, knowledge, and the information we have as individuals and communities are stunning. Who is better equipped to lead the world towards a more open and widespread sharing of that same knowledge and information so desperately needed in this world?
Do not let petty differences interfere with this process; if there are differences between individuals, let them either be resolved, or move past them. The sharing of knowledge and information process is far more important in the long run than any temporary differences between us. Remember that language is a secondary process; it stands between the expression of thought and communication. Sometimes it is necessary to re-state the knowledge and information you are trying to express to one another. This process is called, “communication.” Patience is required throughout this process. By all means; have this patience with one another. Time is required to communicate; it is worth the time to share with each other.
Throughout the process of communicating knowledge and information with others, remember that Love and Respect for each other is the base from which growth will be achieved. Approaching others with half-heartedness and a view of, “less-than,” will produce a learning result equivalent to those perspectives. Always remember to love and respect others for their humanity first – position labels are a secondary consideration at best. Life experiences, and the knowledge and information gained through those experiences, are ever more valuable in many instances. Why? The life experience every individual has affects them on each and every single level – Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical.
Lastly; remember that courtesy is also important – it is a part of the respect for others that is needed, despite any individual’s station in life. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that being polite is a needed part of interaction, especially when frustrations grow in the midst of the communication process. The development of patience and courtesy are skills. The wealth of shared knowledge and information achieved as a result of expressions of courtesy and patience with others, enhancing the communication process, presents the ability to change the very world around us.
We, as Persons with Disabilities, are in a unique position to help humanity. Let us, “open the door,” so to speak. Let us promote the process of sharing knowledge and information on all levels, providing an example that the world has not experienced before. Let our example help humanity to grow, and improve, so that all will benefit.
