"Disability is not about my body, it's about your ability to see me beyond it."
This quote by Stella Young emphasizes the importance of perspective in understanding and interacting with people who have disabilities. It suggests that a person's disability should not define or limit them, but rather, society's perceptions and attitudes toward their abilities play a crucial role in how they are perceived and treated. The quote encourages us to look beyond physical differences and focus on the individual's talents, skills, and potential, rather than stereotypes or limitations. Essentially, it calls for inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of any perceived differences.
"I use a wheelchair because the sidewalk is broken."
This quote by Stella Young underscores the inherent barriers in society, often hidden or ignored, that make life more difficult for people with disabilities. In this case, the "broken sidewalk" symbolizes societal structures and systems that fail to accommodate people with physical disabilities, forcing them to adapt rather than the environment adapting to them. The quote encourages empathy, understanding, and action towards creating a more inclusive world where everyone can easily participate without facing unnecessary barriers.
"We need to stop assuming that everyone else is just like us, because then we won't be surprised or threatened when they're not."
This quote by Stella Young emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. It highlights the danger of making assumptions based on our own experiences, beliefs, or biases, which can limit our ability to connect with people who are different from us. By assuming everyone else is similar to ourselves, we risk overlooking the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities that make each person distinct. This lack of understanding can lead to misunderstandings, intolerance, or even discrimination. On the other hand, when we take the time to truly see and appreciate the diversity in our world, we are less likely to be surprised or threatened by differences. Embracing diversity enriches our own lives, fosters a more inclusive society, and promotes mutual respect and understanding among people.
"If you're exceptionally competitive about being average, I have a wheelchair and a pair of crutches at home that I'm happy to lend you."
This quote by Stella Young humorously highlights the absurdity of valuing competitiveness over individuality and personal growth. In essence, she is saying that if someone places excessive importance on being 'average' or conforming to societal expectations, she offers them the opportunity to experience physical limitations (symbolized by a wheelchair and crutches) as a way to challenge their competitive spirit and encourage empathy and understanding towards those who are genuinely different. It's a powerful call to recognize that everyone has unique abilities and experiences, and we should celebrate these differences rather than striving for mediocrity in the name of competition.
"Being a 'good' disabled person means doing everything everyone else does, but in a way that is so much harder than the default way of doing it."
This quote by Stella Young highlights the often overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when attempting to perform everyday tasks that able-bodied people accomplish effortlessly. The concept of being a "good" disabled person implies a standard set higher than necessary due to the extra efforts and adaptations required to participate in society, which can be more demanding and time-consuming than their non-disabled counterparts' experiences. This quote sheds light on the systemic ableism present in our society, where accommodating people with disabilities is sometimes viewed as a hassle or inconvenience rather than an essential aspect of equality and inclusivity.
We fill our lives with all sorts of things that make it easier for us to get along in the world: wheelchairs, crutches, grabber sticks, hearing aids, canes, guide dogs, modified vehicles, ramps, as well as other kinds of services and supports. Disability does not necessarily mean dependence on other people.
- Stella Young
I quickly learned that asking if an interview space was wheelchair accessible was a bad idea; it gave a potential employer an immediate bad impression. It was either a black mark against my name, or a straight up discussion of why I wouldn't be able to work there because they had no wheelchair access.
- Stella Young
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