"See the ability n(OT) the disability.

   There is a famous quote that I love that says, " There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more". That statement resonates with me heavily because it is so true. We treat people the way that we see them, and if we aren't capable of seeing past a person's imperfections, then we are the ones who are essentially disabled. My mom was a special education teacher for years, and through her teachings and influence it taught me how to treat people and look at the person before looking at the disability. Fast forward to today, we as a society are still learning how to improve our outlook and perspectives on people who hold different ailments. Today's session spoke a lot about the history of disabilities and how the perspectives or perceptions have transpired over time. 
       Today's lecture talked about how disabilities were looked upon as essentially a "curse" back in the day. According to the speaker, Dr. Keisling, people thought that if one had a disability it was due to them being deviant, impoverished, or not being favored by God. This outlook was even seen in the Bible times. People thought that if one had a disability is was because they sinned. An example of this is seen in John 9 1-3, it states "As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him". So, as we can see this outlook has been here since the beginning of time, however as time progressed the outlook started shifting. One of the main reasons perspectives started shifting was due to the different acts that came into play. Dr. Keisling spoke about how now we have non-discriminatory amendments and rights in place for people who hold disabilities; meaning that they have no right to be discriminated against and should be allotted to live a "normal" life without people trying to build barriers for them. My main take-a way from today's lecture was that we as a society need to still move forward and make sure that we are being inclusive of everyone and not just thinking of ways to better the society for ourselves, but also for others. 
      Today's discussion reiterated a-lot of information that we had previously learned through Era Presentations in this class. He spoke mainly about the different amendments and acts that made sure that people with disabilities were protected and made inclusive in America's society. One of the amendments that I personally think is the most important for people with disabilities is the American Act of 1973 section 504 stating that people are not allowed to discriminate against anyone who holds an ailment or disability. This act, I feel, was very pertinent in the change of how society viewed or interacted with people who were more unique than others. 

     Today's learning and session really made me want to be a difference in someone's life. I want to be the reason why someone changes their perspective on people who hold disabilities. I want to help people have their independence and have the normal lifestyle that they want to have. I want people to be able to say that Jalin  has never made me feel ostracized or neglected, and that in her I always have a friend or confidant. I want to be the change that makes others want to change, and that is what I think is the main ingredient in being an awesome occupational therapist.