Your view: Right to equality

My name is Cathy Enfield. I am a person with a developmental disability. I live in Independence, Mo. I am active in the community, and I live in my own home, however I do require assistance with some things in order to do so. As my disability affects my speech and writing skills I have asked my father to assist me with this letter.

I have read your article entitled "Lawmakers Missing Signs of Real Issues" and I would like to share my perspective with you. Representative Terry Young represents the District where I live and vote. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with her on issues concerning people with disabilities and as a result of our discussions she decided to sponsor the bill (HB1035) that you have dismissed as "politically correct." As I requested this bill I can assure you that its focus is on addressing how the power of words and labels negatively affect the lives of people, not on what is "politically correct."

In your article you stated that in working with individuals at The Kenney Rogers Children's Center you have never heard a negative comment about the word "handicapped." I would like to suggest that you contact People First of Missouri, either at the State office or at your local chapter in Sikeston to gain the perspective of people with disabilities who are living in the community about this word and about the damaging effect that labeling people has on their ability to be treated as equals in the community. It might also be helpful for you to read "People First Language, A Commentary" by Kathie Snow. This document can be viewed at pfl@disabilityisnatural.com or www.disabilityisnatural.com .

You also commented that you were confused about the meaning of "Accessible Parking." The concept of accessibility implies that the limits or barriers to use have been removed. An accessible community not only recognizes but embraces the many differences in abilities, skills and functional capacity that make up the human condition and seeks to structure itself in a way that does not limit or prevent people from being part of that community regardless of their individual differences. While the intended use of the parking spot remains the same, the way society views those using it changes from that of an individual who is somehow outside the community to that of an individual who is included as an accepted member of that society when the language describing the parking spot changes.

By requesting this change of language I am not asking you to recognize me as a person who has special needs. I am, however, asking you to recognize me as a person who has a right be an equal member of the community. Contrary to the statement in your article, by sponsoring this bill Representative Terry Young has shown a real willingness to tackle the tough issues. I applaud her understanding and her courage to stand up for what is a very "real issue" for people with disabilities and I deeply appreciate her support.

Like you I am very concerned about not only the growing expense of Medicaid but the continuing erosion of services that is taking place. One of the causes of both of these problems is a result of the institutional bias that permeates the State Legislature and its supporting agencies. While research and experience with programs in other states have clearly shown that people with disabilities living in their own homes in the community is both better for the individual and much more economical for the State, we in Missouri continue to resist doing so. Our lawmakers continue to pour funding into placements for individuals with disabilities into habilitation centers, nursing homes and group homes when enabling these individual to be included in the community would both reduce costs and provide the opportunity for many of these people to give something back to the community. Could it be that the words we are using have blinded us to the truth?

Sincerely,

Cathy Enfield