I'm getting tired of the atmosphere of misery surrounding disability. The way every neurodivergence is automatically labelled an 'illness' or 'disorder', even when its effects are, in and of themselves, neutral. The cold, clinical formality and scary statistics that dominate discussion about disability whilst erasing the lives of disabled people. The general lack of optimism, humour and positivity that permeates most websites, articles, television programmes, and organisations.
Unlike most other minority groups, disabled, mentally ill, or neuro-atypical teens aren't routinely told that things will get better, or that their lives and concerns are valid, or that it's OK to accept themselves as they are. When you read about disability, the dominant tone is all too often one of pessimism and shame.
So, let's get a couple of things straight: Difference isn't bad. Impairment doesn't have to be the end of the world. Mental Illness is often a perfectly natural response to trauma. Addressing problems is vital, but letting them take over helps nobody.
Oh, and here's a link to the BBC Ouch archives, because a post like this really needs an example of disability discourse done right.
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Day 22: If you could attend any Goth Event, what would it be?:
While saying 'Whitby' and 'Treffen' is about as unoriginal as it's possible to be... Whitby and Treffen. XD
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