I have appreciated the conversation resulting from the inquiry/article I had written about the use of language, As with most things, it does rest upon the relationships that we are able to have with each other, whatever our and their condition might be, be it situations that are apparent or unapparent. I believe that the less helpful response is to not connect at all since we might be afraid to say the wrong thing. Avoiding a person who is "different" from us (apparently) does not allow the loving power of the divine Spirit of God to be present and possibly engaged. Again, creating a hospitable space that allows true conversation or an appropriate way to connect is of utmost importance. As one person said, you can ask a person who is using a chair, why she/he is using the chair, if they are willing to share with you. As Plato was to have said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." It may not be apparent, but most of us are in that situation, fighting a great battle. When we are able to connect at that level of common humanity, with compassion, there is strength and courage that comes.
I do not believe there is the "right" language to use, but only the appropriate one. Engaging in supportive conversation with each other may lead to serendipitious encounters. This Friday we are going to show the movie "Music Within," the story of the beginnings of ADA. There will be a panel of folks who will respond. Keeping the conversation alive is a good way to continue to expand our educational outreach.
Our church has also just voted for adopting the Accessible to All (A2A) Covenant of the United Church of Christ. It has been a powerful process to move our congregation to learn about it and then enact it. It is a process. As is this conversation.
A2A means Accessible to All. This is a resolution adopted by our General Synod, UCC. It has yet to grab hold of people in our churches. However, at our recent national conference addressed it along with other issues pertaining to mental health issues. Lots of info at www.wideningthewelcome.com. You also go to www.firstcong.net where you will read more about the covenant that we have adopted.
Posted in: The Language of Mental Illnesses, Brain Disorders, and Disabilities
I have appreciated the conversation resulting from the inquiry/article I had written about the use of language, As with most things, it does rest upon the relationships that we are able to have with each other, whatever our and their condition might be, be it situations that are apparent or unapparent. I believe that the less helpful response is to not connect at all since we might be afraid to say the wrong thing. Avoiding a person who is "different" from us (apparently) does not allow the loving power of the divine Spirit of God to be present and possibly engaged. Again, creating a hospitable space that allows true conversation or an appropriate way to connect is of utmost importance. As one person said, you can ask a person who is using a chair, why she/he is using the chair, if they are willing to share with you. As Plato was to have said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." It may not be apparent, but most of us are in that situation, fighting a great battle. When we are able to connect at that level of common humanity, with compassion, there is strength and courage that comes.
I do not believe there is the "right" language to use, but only the appropriate one. Engaging in supportive conversation with each other may lead to serendipitious encounters. This Friday we are going to show the movie "Music Within," the story of the beginnings of ADA. There will be a panel of folks who will respond. Keeping the conversation alive is a good way to continue to expand our educational outreach.
Our church has also just voted for adopting the Accessible to All (A2A) Covenant of the United Church of Christ. It has been a powerful process to move our congregation to learn about it and then enact it. It is a process. As is this conversation.
Thanks.
Posted in: The Language of Mental Illnesses, Brain Disorders, and Disabilities
A2A means Accessible to All. This is a resolution adopted by our General Synod, UCC. It has yet to grab hold of people in our churches. However, at our recent national conference addressed it along with other issues pertaining to mental health issues. Lots of info at www.wideningthewelcome.com. You also go to www.firstcong.net where you will read more about the covenant that we have adopted.