Such a deeply thought-provoking post, Matt, thank you. It's reminded me that there are many shades of normal, and that life deals out immense challenges as well as rewards.
It's interesting that you got to experience that within the Autism awareness month. Although there are a lot of disorders that could represent what the lady had. And I understand feeling sad to a point but if you would think about it, that is the life that they know. We only see it as sad because it's not the life that we are used to. That lady could be really happy because that is all she knows. Good post Matthew.
I used to work at a Steiner college for young people with disabilities and I specialised in Autism. Prior to that I spent a lot of time volunteering and working with children with disabilities - wheelchairs, non-verbal etc.
I have to say I never felt sad for them. Often, I was angry on their behalf because of the systemic lack of thoughtfulness and finance in social services. Or because of how poorly things are designed (public spaces, products).
But a lot of the time they brought me deep joy. There’s innocence in how some of my folks observed things. A lot of them very talented in the arts too. And often a hidden but hilarious sense of humour.
I only felt sad when I saw that people with disabilities often become isolated once they reach the age of ‘adult’, and there simply isn’t the support available.
I know what you mean when you say they are talented in the arts. I remember watching a documentary on PBS where a woman who was an artist worked with individuals who painted. That's what she did too. It was very educational to see how they were able to work and construct these great paintings. She worked with an organization to get it where they could sell their paintings and use that money to live off. I enjoyed the special very much.
Yes for a while I did social enterprise projects with these young people, to varying degrees of success. The craft was always impressive but functional, business and social skills can be a challenge.
One of the things that kept me going when we were dealing with almost impossible demands regarding elderly relatives was simply that as bad as it was, it could have been a lot worse. A very powerful post, Matt, and something we all need reminding of every so often
Such a deeply thought-provoking post, Matt, thank you. It's reminded me that there are many shades of normal, and that life deals out immense challenges as well as rewards.
I'm glad you enjoyed the post Rebecca. Sometimes we need things like this to remind us of how other people have it.
Wonderful post, Matt! Such a good reminder to be grateful.
It's interesting that you got to experience that within the Autism awareness month. Although there are a lot of disorders that could represent what the lady had. And I understand feeling sad to a point but if you would think about it, that is the life that they know. We only see it as sad because it's not the life that we are used to. That lady could be really happy because that is all she knows. Good post Matthew.
I used to work at a Steiner college for young people with disabilities and I specialised in Autism. Prior to that I spent a lot of time volunteering and working with children with disabilities - wheelchairs, non-verbal etc.
I have to say I never felt sad for them. Often, I was angry on their behalf because of the systemic lack of thoughtfulness and finance in social services. Or because of how poorly things are designed (public spaces, products).
But a lot of the time they brought me deep joy. There’s innocence in how some of my folks observed things. A lot of them very talented in the arts too. And often a hidden but hilarious sense of humour.
I only felt sad when I saw that people with disabilities often become isolated once they reach the age of ‘adult’, and there simply isn’t the support available.
I know what you mean when you say they are talented in the arts. I remember watching a documentary on PBS where a woman who was an artist worked with individuals who painted. That's what she did too. It was very educational to see how they were able to work and construct these great paintings. She worked with an organization to get it where they could sell their paintings and use that money to live off. I enjoyed the special very much.
Yes for a while I did social enterprise projects with these young people, to varying degrees of success. The craft was always impressive but functional, business and social skills can be a challenge.
One of the things that kept me going when we were dealing with almost impossible demands regarding elderly relatives was simply that as bad as it was, it could have been a lot worse. A very powerful post, Matt, and something we all need reminding of every so often
Thank you Terry!
I'm sure that has been difficult for your sister. Thank you for sharing.