Sunday, June 15, 2014

Overcoming Stigma: Getting Started

Maybe you saw the the Huffington Post piece a few months back about why we should ban handheld devices for all children under the age of 12.  Maybe you hold similar views, or simply find it rude when someone is using their handheld device during a service, or RE class.  Maybe your congregation, RE program, or youth group has a 'No Electronics' rule.

Certainly, there is a stigma against handheld technology in our society.  But, what about people with disabilities (PwD) - people who may rely on handheld technology to speak, to 'hear', to connect with others?  What type of message is sent to people with disabilities when we directly or indirectly tell them that technology is not welcomed here?  Could it be possible that we are sending the message that they are not welcomed?  And, what, exactly, makes our adaptive technology (our glasses, our microphones, our pencils) more socially acceptable than theirs?

I contend that the biggest barrier to welcoming PwD is not their disability or the technology that they use, but our own social hangups.  And, so, to begin our journey together, I offer up several opinions pieces.  As you read / watch these, I urge you to ponder the questions above.  Because, let's be honest here, I could offer up the swiss army knife of accessible technology, but it wouldn't mean anything without your buy in.

Piece 1: Why Banning Devices for Kids is a Stupid Idea by Jo Ashline

Piece 2: Why are Glasses Perceived Differently than Hearing Aids? by Rebecca J. Rosen

Piece 3: I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much! by Stella Young


In the spirit of learning!

- Meredith Plummer

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