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Our Voices: Full Inclusion.
Full Inclusion: The New Reality Show.
One of the most enduring (NOT endearing) stereotypes about our community is the importance of "special" everything when it comes to people with disabilities. While the original purpose for the term "special" was to distinguish us from "pitiful," it never worked. "Special" meant isolated, less than normal, separated for their own good, in their best interest, etc. It also meant people who think they don't have a disability could avoid us because we could live our whole lives in a haven that became a disability ghetto.
The opposite of "special" is "fully included." Full inclusion is a core value and goal of the disability community, and this issue of "Our Voices" will take you on a tour of Full Inclusion Land (FIL), a place of real opportunity for all citizens, even "special" ones.
In FIL, accommodations are easy to use, and taken for granted.
In FIL, we no longer have to shout, "Nothing About Me, Without Me," because we are always at the table.
In FIL, no one is excluded from any social role because of a characteristic.
In FIL, we work on community problems, not disability problems, and people with disabilities are full partners in community planning, economic development, public education, and all community life.
In FIL, no one has to be "realistic" in their hopes and dreams.
In FIL, there is always a way to pursue your heart's desire.
FIL is the newest "Reality Show", the one we would all like to actually live in, the one with the best prize: Real Community!
Enjoy the issue, and let us know what you think.
