Brain Injury Words Judge People
August 25th, 2009 |
Categories: Relationships |
7 Comments |
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Words Do Make a Difference in How We Treat People
By Shaun Best
When I returned from the hospital in 1978, I was overwhelmed by the unfavorable manner in which I was received. Before my accident, I was headed for the US Air Force and the Olympics. Those dreams were no more after I survived a three month coma in 1977.
Upon starting school again I was legally labeled disabled, retarded, or handicapped. At least I had a choice, I thought. I went to my dictionary and learned that people who were described using these terms were not viewed favorably. When I made this argument in school, people looked at me as if my cognitive challenges had robbed me of all my intelligence.
I’ve worked for the last 30 plus years to enlighten others to the benefits of describing people with disabilities positively (challenged, challenges, differently abled, multiple intelligences, etc.) vs. negatively (disabled, retarded, handicapped, etc.). I’ve worked on including people with different abilities within the community rather than excluding them due to fear. I’ve continued this humane movement, in the hopes that some day others would see that words do make a difference.
Luckily, in the last 30 years, many have seen the progression of these terms. My work has been positively reinforced with the work at the Positive Psychology Center and the book Learned Optimism by Martin EP Seligman, Ph.D. The optimistic explanatory style produces hope whereas the pessimistic explanatory style produces hopelessness. Stated another way, pessimism results in psychoneuroimmunology - a long term that describes how psychological events can change health and alter the immune system.
Some lessons from learned optimism…
- Negative thinking is the disease.
- Using the power of positive thinking can be the cure.
- Develop an optimistic explanatory style.
- Avoid conscious negative thoughts.
I would like you to know that I have used the optimistic explanatory learning style since the early 1980s when I chose to use the term “challenged” to replace disabled. Since then, I have created the Challenged Conquistadors, Inc. and have received hundreds of letters of support from around the world. I’ve reduced the harsh manner in which some humans refer to others. You can learn more about me and my work at http://www.headtohead.org/?art=255
For more information on this topic, see…
Myths and stereotypes about work and life.
The Essence of Interdependence:
Building community for everyone
Creating a community where each belongs
Very good job!
Shaun,
Your story is an inspiration to all of us! Carry on with your optimism and enlightment with educating others about brain injury. We support you in the cause.
Dr. Deborah Gangluff
Dear Shaun,
Although I am not a brain injury survivor you have taught me so much about brain injuries through all your work and teachings. Just your sharing with me your story and all your accomplishments through the years have given me priceless and endless admiration for you. You are a true miracle and a work in steady progress. I am so proud to be your step daughter. Keep up all the good work you are doing and I hope your teachings take you far in this world.
Your Step Daughter,
Patrice Tanksley
Shaun,
You are a model of inspiration and determination and a tremendous asset to the brain injury advocacy cause.
Thank you for your many efforts on behalf of brain injury survivors and their families. First hand information is the most powerful tool for change, and your insights and determination are helping to make that change happen. I will pass the link along to others and ask them to do the same. Kudos!
All the best,
Tish
Greetings & Blessings, Shaun! Verily you are a living breathing witness of the grace of God. Working as Church Relations Coordinator with the D/FW office for the International Disability Outreach of Joni Eareckson Tada we used the word “disabled” but never as a descriptive term–always people first, as in “people and families affected by disability.” And though I just started a MeetUp for Mission Accessible, A Disability Ministry Fellowship I think it should be An ACCESSIBILITY Ministry Fellowship! Because Ephesians 3:12 tells us “in whom we have BOLDNESS and CONFIDENT ACCESS through Faith in Him!” AMEN AND AMEN!
Bro. Shaun your information and you life is and example of what God can do. He has given you an ability to encourage others and I have been Blessed to know you and work with you. Your Pastor and Friend, Bro. Mike Senn
Thank you for your respect & encouragement!
Shaun Best, Protector of the Natural State