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Disability Culture Annual Observance

Name: Betty Alfred
Email: bettyalfred@aol.com
Date: 25 Dec 1999
Time: 08:15:34

Story

As the disability rights struggle continues; I humbly propose that we create a custom for an annual observance that pays honor to our culture, history, and people.

There exists disability rights legislation in many countries, but we know that protective legislation is only useful if enforced. If the heart of nondisabled society is not with us, as it is often not, we must fight at every turn to see those laws obeyed.

The souls of many of our brothers and sisters have been wounded, their spirits broken. Many of us have died throughout the ages at the hands of those who did not think we deserved life. There are those who suffer now, in institutions or at the hands of those who are ruthless. Some will live and die knowing only abuse. Some beg to die. I cannot bear to think of the pain they endure, but I must think about it.

Children with disabilities look to us. It is we who will make the world better for them, as they will for future generations of our people.

Even though there is a profound sadness among our people for the atrocities committed, the disability rights movement has made great progress. Imagine how proud our disability family ancestors would be to see the changes! In that light, it seems fitting to honor them, us and our movement, and our future.

Unity is imperative in the disability community. I believe that an annual ritual of some kind would serve to unify us even more. As we perform the customs each year, we can vow to devote ourselves to the advancement of our people, in a way that we each are able. It will be like a solemn promise.

Whether we decide to light candles, as Jews do for Chanukah, or African Americans do for Kwanzaa, or we have some other ritual, we will feel empowered by the knowledge that disabled people all over the world are doing the same thing. I believe that we can realize a strengthened and more cohesive community through such a practice.

This is how we can do it: Those who are interested can respond to me with their ideas, or press "reply" and post your ideas here. I can collect all the proposals and we can communicate with each other in the process of refining a ritual that will be suitable. Then we can publicize what we've done and say, "Come join us!" Our plan will take hold if we are persistent in advertising. The internet is at our disposal.

This is just a suggestion, but an overview of the beautiful rituals for Kwanzaa might give us food for thought. I found a web site that explains the background and customs of that holiday, and I found it to be very interesting reading.

http://melanet.com/kwanzaa/whatis.html

I hope for responses from my brothers and sisters in the disability community. This seems like an awesome way to begin the new millennium!

Your faithful sister, Betty

Copyright © 1999 Betty Alfred. All rights reserved.

Last changed: July 11, 2008

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