I posted a blog a few days ago about the way; I feel that attitudes, on the whole have changed for the better. I also said that there will always be a pocket of resistance towards the disabled. There will always be those few who whole heartedly belive that we have no place in society.
It was almost like the balance had got to be redressed, just 24 hours later, UKIP parliamentary candidate Geoffrey Clark caused outraged when he called for a review on compulsory abortion of foetuses with Spina Bifida and Downs Syndrome calling them a ‘burden to the state’ if they were to be born.
I can’t tell you how shocked and appalled by his views. It upset me greatly, firstly I would hate to think that my disability is a burden to anyone and secondly, coming to terms with a Disability, either from birth or acquired is difficult for families to come to terms with, Disability can through even the strongest couples into hell, the uncertainty of what lies a head for your child or love one.
My family went through this, nobody knew I was going to be disabled, we found out when I was 2. My Parents world was turned upside down, there healthy, happy little girl was never going to be able to walk. I can’t imagine the level of worry that put my Parents through.
The dust settled, and with support love and encouragement I went on from strength to strength, yeah, I can’t walk but my life is richer in so many ways and I for one and very glad that I am living, and experiencing life.
Of course, I realise that not everyone has a supportive network of people around them like my Parents did when they are pregnant and sometimes, just occasionally people feel that they wouldn’t be able to cope if their baby was different. It can be a frightening time.
How dare someone, even suggest taken away the option for Parents. It’s not right. The line of ‘I’m sorry your baby is different, it’s got to die,’ is such a blinkered view, makes you no better than Hitler.
My disability may make things different for me. But it doesn’t make me any less of a person. If you are willing enough to face disability head on, anything is possible. Having a disability is not the end of the world, it’s a game changer.
Disability makes life more interesting, gives you character, makes you tough, makes you appreciate life, and gives you patients to wait for the good times whilst wading through the bad
I would say I’m sorry for being a ‘drain on society’ as some people see it, but these small minded people must realise that none of us, no disabled person wants to me on benefits or have help from the state. Some may say they do, but the reality is, deep down, they’ve talked themselves into being satisfied with the life they have.
I would change it in a heartbeat if I could. Don’t you dare tell me, my life, or anyone elses is any less meaningful than yours, Mr. Clark.
