“It’s okay to have a disability, but please act normal”. Sometimes I get this feeling from people. It is not that they are being mean. I think mostly it’s because they are having issues accepting oneself and that seeing another disabled person who acts “not normal” only confronts them about their own differences.

Personally, I felt I’ve been ignored or shun by other disabled people. Whenever I reach out, I get a recoil look. I have also known disabled people that are pleasant with me in an organized setting but seem to not be interested in being social with me outside of the formal area.

           I'm going to say something controversial. I think there is discrimination in the disabled community. What I mean is that disabled people who feel they are more intelligent or "normal," seem to shy away from other disabled people who have limited intelligence or look or act different. I see it in the world and in the church. It's sad!

           "I'm disabled but NOT like that those disabled people!" is what they say with their behavior and actions. I want to say to them that, “Yes, maybe that their disability is less noticeable, but that doesn’t mean they are more important than people with disabilities that are ‘different’ than theirs.” Don’t they understand that there’s much we can learn and love from each other if we can only look deep inside ourselves and know our emotions are the same.

           I’ve worked with children that are identified as “profoundly challenged.” But to my amazement, they challenge me to really see life differently. The simple things in life like a hug or a smile or just learning a new task brings joy to them. The things that other disabled people take for granted because they have learned them a long time ago.

           We, as a disabled community need to come together. Our differences can help us to understand our value and deepness. It shouldn’t matter if we have one disability or multiple disabilities. Or if one has a mental, emotional or physical disability, we all need to love and appreciate our differences!

           I hope one day there will be a united disabled community.