On being "Disabled"


Maya Brown-Zimmerman has asked an interesting and good question.

She asks "What does it mean to be disabled? Is it different than having a disability? What does it mean to view ourselves as such, and is that different from how the world views us?"

On a simple level this is just an exercise in semantics.  But words are important when it comes to determining how one views oneself.  This is the first step in answering Maya's question.

Part of Maya's question is easy for me to answer. I have a government agency which has defined me. The Social Security Administration has judged that I am "Disabled." Therefore, I am eligible to collect money that I paid into my Soc. Sec. account; I'm also eligible for Medicare. So, as far as the government (IRS, HHS, etc.) are concerned, I am Disabled. When health care folks ask about my status, I have an easy answer. In that sense, I really don't care what the answer to Maya's question is; just keep the checks comin'!

But, more importantly, how do I see myself?  For me, this is the crux of Maya's question. The word disabled brings to mind an image of a car on the side of the road with its hazard lights on.  What to do? Call a tow truck to take it to get repaired. I've done a lot in my life. I've managed retail stores, sold things, worked in law offices, trained horses and riders, taught school, more recently I've worked as a chaplain.  I was born with Marfan's. Yet I've still done all these things and more.  Yes, like Maya, I have limitations (which are so great I can't work full time) and need a lot of help.  But I am far from being broken down.  I am not Disabled.  I have a disability.  You can even say I have a handicap. (I actually am fine with being called handicapped. For me, it is more accurate and less bothersome than being called disabled.)

Words and labels are important.  But the context in which they are used matter too.  I don't care what a government bureaucrat or health care provider calls me.  But I am not disabled.  I am a stay at home Dad to an unbelievably energetic 2 year old. I am a Sunday School teacher. I am a husband. I am a friend and confidant. I have a disability.