Kevin Daws is taking the lead on Disability History Month for All 4 Inclusion, but I can't allow him to have all the fun.
It's obvious Kevin and I are two different people, but we think very different too. I wouldn't say our opinions clash at all, but we look at things very different perspectives.
Kevin has more of a political eye than I do. He is well versed with policies and the history of how previous governments have treated disabled people. If you haven't read it already, his review of The Department by John Pring is an excellent read. A book I own but haven't yet read.
I try to ignore politics as much as I can, but get my opinions from people. I think more importantly people like me who also do not follow politics. We both pull in the same direction, but are pulling different parts too.
This is why Kevin is such a valued writer for us. We are all different and we all want to read different things. I'd like to say Kevin is for the more mature reader, but I don't want to compare anyone to an aging wine.
With my less political mind, I live very much the life I see with my eyes. (Which actually isn't very good).
Having become disabled in 2020, I know less about the history of disability but have a strong focus on the present.
I haven't seen much change in the time I've been disabled. A lot of the change I've witnessed has been negative.
Schools seem to be having a free reign since Covid to treat pupils however they feel. We may have left the physical torment of the cane in the past, but now we are finding other ways to make childrens lives a misery.
Not only do parents need to worry about their children being bullied by classmates, they also have to worry about teachers.
Things like forcing children not to go to the toilet during lesson times, demanding children only walk, forgotten equipment and being over strict with uniforms.
For our neuro divergent children or those with mental health conditions these aren't easy to adhere to. There is often social anxiety caused by asking to go to the toilet in the first place. But children should not be forced to be in pain during lessons. An over full bladder can cause scarring and other long term health issues too. Neuro divergent children think differently and their brain chases dopamine and avoids social anxiety. They can become over stimulated by labels leading to wearing clothes that look similar to the uniform but differ slightly to avoid itching labels.
This is something I could talk about all night. What's more important, a child's wellbeing or everyone looking the same.
Science has taught us lots about different health conditions, but we don't put what we learn in to practice in ways to help people. Whether this is a school or a workplace.
This shows exactly how history effects the present.
Ignore history and life won't stay the same, it will deteriorate.
There have been some improvements and I will try and share some positive stories linking to this years Disability History Month theme for you next week.
In the meantime, if you are reading Kevins posts, please engage with them by leaving a comment.
Speak soon, Scott
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