Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

From todays speaker, I learned the history and background of how people were treated because of their disability, physically and mentally, since the 1800's. We can never imagine the pain they must have felt knowing they were unwanted because they were different or seen as a burden for their family. Even though some couldn't speak, some couldn't process what was going on, and others couldn't see what they were facing, they all felt the suffering they were put through. Thankfully, legislation finally took a stand making it inhumane for families to give up their children to institutions because of a disability and giving individuals the chance to attend school, have friends, and participate in life by having a voice.

Dr. Keisling touched on many of the Acts or laws discussed during the era presentations in class such as IDEA, Medicare and Medicaid, The American Rehab Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act. All of these pieces of legislation served great purposes for helping include, modify, and accommodate for individuals who were previously excluded from participation in life activities.

No one should ever feel inferior to others because they are seen as different. They are still human and still have many great attributes and characteristics that make them "normal".  Normal is a term used by our society expecting us to act or speak or do things a certain way and if we don't we are outcasts. But why? Every individual of all ages has potential whether they can see it or not. With a little encouragement and a positive attitude you can completely change an individuals perspective on their ability to perform a task or achieve a goal.

In my career as an occupational therapist I want to help individuals function the best they can despite the difficulties they face. I never want a client to be seen or thought of as the disability they have. I want themselves and others to see them for their true potential, their purpose they serve in life, and how they plan to live their best life possible.