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[Grahameeboy]

I think that most of us say our little comments in our heads but are too scared to say them outload in fear of seeming like a cold heartless bastard!

I think it is so fantastic that they are allowing disabled people show off their talents at the Commonwealth Games... a lot of them would do way better than those who are able bodied.

I think we have become PC about this because we don't want to discriminate against people who are different.. which I think is a good thing. On the weekend I had a group of women who are IHC come into work with a caregiver... I didn't even realise they were until she gave me the check... I love it how they are now being given the opportunity to live a normal life.

I do understand but by saying nothing we are also discriminating if that makes sense because we would say something if they were not disabled.......don't be scared because you will be rewarded.

From my personal point of view I want to expose Natalie to as much as possible to live a normal life and that is helped by others not being PC and almost forgetting that she is disabled as I do.....

[Grahameeboy]

Maybe they could have guide dolphins?

Seriously, I've worked with/known quite a few people with disabilities of one sort or another.

In the early stages of disability most people (I think - this is totally amateur observation) go through a period where they are struggling to come to terms with the disability. At this stage they can be very sensitive to any comment at all about it, and it is best to say nothing. Obviously, doesn't apply to those born disabled.

Once that stage is worked through, then people are perfectly capable of telling the difference between a good humoured joke and a hurtful jibe.

I think it is demeaning to a disabled person to *not* recognise the disability - it's making the disability something to be ashamed of. One should, I think, accept a disabled person's disability as just part of who they are- like having red hair. Neither purient nosiness about it, nor embarassed "shh don't say anything".

And it is usually the non-disabled onlooker (like Mrs Insanity_Rules) who objects not the disabled person. The objection reflects the objectors "uncomfortableness" about disability.

A cruel jibe is of course another matter. But even intellectually disabled folk can tell the difference.

I love you Ixion.....................you are right when you are disabled due to injury you have to come to terms and a bit more careful PC has to be adopted but for my Daughter that was born disabled that is all she knows and even at 3 she jokes about it with me....

[Finn]

I take the piss out of myself more than anyone else (well probably not knowing my friends!), jokes about swimming in circles etc. Hey if you can't laugh at yourself then who can you laugh at? Bring on the jokes.

I've often wondered OAB, how do you ride? Do you have a double levered clutch and brake on one side like Aaron Slight (the real Aaron Slight)

[BuFfY]

I am studying to be a teacher so it is very highly likely that I will have a disabled child in my class... I always thought I would treat them exactly the same as everyone... I have never been on to distinguish the differnce between anyone or treat them different... but is that discrimination? What would be the best way/ thing to say to a disabled child in my class or even throughout my school?

[onearmedbandit]

How do you scratch your right elbow? Do you ride in circles too?

Bastard, never thought about that! Now it's going to haunt me!


(Nah, scratch it on my leg or a table or something)

[onearmedbandit]

I've often wondered OAB, how do you ride? Do you have a double levered clutch and brake on one side like Aaron Slight (the real Aaron Slight)

Kind of, my front brake lever is in the normal position while my clutch lever is on the opposite side of the clip-on operated by my thumb. Very simple.

[Grahameeboy]

I am studying to be a teacher so it is very highly likely that I will have a disabled child in my class... I always thought I would treat them exactly the same as everyone... I have never been on to distinguish the differnce between anyone or treat them different... but is that discrimination? What would be the best way/ thing to say to a disabled child in my class or even throughout my school?

Well you will be teaching at mainstream school so any disabled child sent to your school will not need to go to a Special Needs School so will more than likely be physically disabled only, like my Daughter.

You already have the right attitude, they will teach you....yes it is that simple and in terms of physical stuff, only help if they ask for it.......

[BuFfY]

Well you will be teaching at mainstream school so any disabled child sent to your school will not need to go to a Special Needs School so will more than likely be physically disabled only, like my Daughter.

You already have the right attitude, they will teach you....yes it is that simple and in terms of physical stuff, only help if they ask for it.......

Thanks Glad to know my attitude is a good one!

[Grahameeboy]

Thanks Glad to know my attitude is a good one!

Certainly is........................feel free to PM me if you ever need advice or want to met Natalie for an insight....

[Goblin]

It is PC gone mad! It has made lots of people afraid to discuss all sorts of topics. Most disabled people (be it physical or intellectual) have a sense of humor too and it's good for the spirit to be involved in humorous banter. Not saying its good to tease mercilessly, but a bit of joking around is great.
I worked with a woman with a condition called Arthrogyposis Multiplex Congenita, she has no movement in her arms and her legs are braced during the day to stop her falling over. She gets around ok in her home but needs her wheelchair to go any distance. Now when I first met her I was frightened of her. After the first week I found her to have a wicked sense of humor. We got on so well there was never a dull moment. We even put racing stickers on her chair. We became close friends outside of work aswell and my kids got to know her as the person she is as opposed to her condition. She would laugh at kid's honesty and thought they were so cute.
I take my hat off to people like her for living life to the fullest and not letting shallow narrow-minded people get her down.

[Grahameeboy]

It is PC gone mad! It has made lots of people afraid to discuss all sorts of topics. Most disabled people (be it physical or intellectual) have a sense of humor too and it's good for the spirit to be involved in humorous banter. Not saying its good to tease mercilessly, but a bit of joking around is great.
I worked with a woman with a condition called Arthrogyposis Multiplex Congenita, she has no movement in her arms and her legs are braced during the day to stop her falling over. She gets around ok in her home but needs her wheelchair to go any distance. Now when I first met her I was frightened of her. After the first week I found her to have a wicked sense of humor. We got on so well there was never a dull moment. We even put racing stickers on her chair. We became close friends outside of work aswell and my kids got to know her as the person she is as opposed to her condition. She would laugh at kid's honesty and thought they were so cute.
I take my hat off to people like her for living life to the fullest and not letting shallow narrow-minded people get her down.

[ManDownUnder]

Insanity Rules - I thonk your comment was bloody funny personally... and I'm willing to bet the blind guy would think similar...

Let's face it - if he was a "wo is me" type - think he'd have made it to the Comm Games?

Those guys rock. Obstacles smobstacles...

Reminds me of the guy that taught my wife and I sign language. He was deaf AND had cerebral palsy... so he represented NZ in Weight lifting at the Special Olimpics.

He had a wicked sense of humour too - good guy! I'd love to meet him again

[Colapop]

Anyone see that movie on 2, sunday arvo a couple of weeks back? It's called "Door to door." About a guy called Bill Porter (www.billporter.com) who has Cerebal Palsy and became a door to door salesman. It was pretty cool. The guy himself was/is tenacious to say the least. Much respect to anyone who gets off the arse and makes their life happen - regardless of ability.

[FLUB]

Hell I take the piss out of everything,including myself. My friends often say your going to hell for that one, and sometimes I have to agree but it was damn funny

I'd better go to hell cos I can't play a harp.

[Lias]

I think the comment was funny.

I also support it both from the PoV that I think NOTHING is too sacred or tabu for comedy, and that I think political correctness is a total load of arse.