Dignity and respect
Self-definition is important. We should all be able to define ourselves in whatever way we see fit, so if people want to describe themselves as having a diversability, all the power to them [“Diversability in action,” July 24].
Choice, however, is also important. Many “diversely-abled” (or “differently-abled” or “physically challenged”) people like the term “people with disabilities” because it is widely understood and accepted within the disability community, clarifies that we are people, and speaks to the distinct needs and challenges we face.
While some may view the term disability in a negative light, many do not. Therefore, rather than looking at diversability as “a term used to replace disability,” we need to look at it as an option to the word disability. How we define ourselves needs to be an individual choice.
In addition, we need to challenge other words that are more commonly used to describe us (such as vulnerable, suffering, confined, not normal) and let the “able-bodied” world know we do not want pity or sympathy—we would rather be treated with dignity and respect.
The topic of disability is as complicated as our rich and complex lives. Consequently in order to enact change, we need to look at attitudes, assumptions and perceptions—as well as language. The bottom line is, I am not interested in someone referring to me as having a diversability and then giving me the condescending smile and saying “good for you” because I ride a bike or can manoeuvre my wheelchair. Like I said, it’s complicated.
Kaia Sherritt
Abbotsford Street
A cart of kindness
On Monday, July 29, I was travelling from Qualicum Beach to Texada Island to visit family [“Good times and bad,” July 17]. Waiting at Powell River for the ferry to Blubber Bay, we were informed that there was some damage to the docking mechanism and that it would prevent our trip from going as planned. The sad thing was that BC Ferries could not advise us as to just how long this delay might be, whether a few hours, or overnight, or longer.
It was very hot sitting in the lineup in the parking lot.
Imagine our surprise and delight, to see the gentleman from Powell River's own Quality Foods, pushing his grocery cart along the lines, handing out free bottles of water and sleeves of potato chips to all the people waiting in cars. What a welcome treat.
Call it what you will—I call it good public relations and worthy of comment. I, for one, was very thankful, as were a lot of others, if I can believe the buzz on Facebook.
Well done, sir.
Wayne Boylan
Aldergrove, BC
