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| 1 minute read

Why would a Disabled person not want a cure?

For many, it seems obvious that a disabled person would want a cure. I mean, why would someone want to remain blind or deaf if there is a cure available. If there was a cure many would have taken it on first being identified as disabled. There are many promising advances in medicine and technology, but it doesn't mean that disabled people will want to take advantage of them.

We need to understand that we are all different and have different perspectives - that is what makes the world so interesting and rich. I know lots of blind people who would jump on a cure tomorrow to be able to see, but I also know lots of blind people who are happy with their lives and see having sight back as another challenge to face. In the case of sight loss, our brains change over time with the areas of the brain used for visual interpretation being utilised for other tasks. Therefore, having vision back, there will be a need to learn how to process the visuals and build up the brain's capacity again. The benefits of sight would need to be considered given the extreme stimulation and learning that will need to take place.

Sight loss is a journey, and at this point in my journey - I have accepted that there won't be a cure for me and therefore I am committed to ensuring I adapt and don't let it stop me living. While I will not be able to drive again, I can travel by many other means and still achieve what I need to. Being disabled is about finding solutions and different ways to achieve our goals.

Next time you come across a challenge, take time to reflect and think about how the task may be achieved by someone with a disability, you may find an innovative solution…

Life without disabilities may at times have its attractions. It’s something that can be interesting, even fun to speculate about. But since it would often fundamentally change who we are, it’s not always a 100% attractive prospect.

Tags

disability, cure, inclusion, english, highlight

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