By Ann Herman
A Place for All
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities have the same rights as all people to non-discrimination, access, equality of opportunity, inclusion and full participation in society. This is a Federal Civil Rights Law passed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.
We know that through the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. that separate cannot be equal. This is of utmost importance for the lives of people with disabilities. If they are separate from our faith or separate in the way we speak to them or about them, then they are not being treated equally. This fairness and equality is not only a civil rights issue, it is also a Catholic issue.
There are a few simple ways that we can make those people with disabilities feel welcome in our church. In my work as an education professor who teaches future special education teachers, we often talk about using respectful language when speaking about our students with special needs. Even saying the words “disability” or “handicap” can have a negative connotation. A newer and improved terminology would be to use the term “exceptionalities.” This term became normalized in 2004, and it is used frequently in the world of special education. It encompasses all people with differing abilities. Another term that has gained popularity is “neurodiverse.” This literally means “different brain.” Again, the term “different” can have a negative impact suggesting that the student is not part of the norm. However, another way to think about this is: “A variety of brains.” Using the terms exceptionality and neurodiverse are kinder and gentler and offer a level of respect that should be an important part of our Catholic faith.
The next small step is to be very cognizant of always referring to the student as a person first. The exceptionality should not be the defining characteristic of that student. In other words, do not refer to the person first by stating their exceptionality. Refer to them by their name. We want to show respect and love for the person as a human being, not define them by their special needs.
Again, relating this back to the Catholic Church, the word Catholic means universal or whole. Thinking about using these terms in a respectful way will truly help us to practice universality to include people with diverse abilities. This will allow us to fulfill God’s promise of eternal life for all. Pope Francis encourages us, “Let us learn to overcome the discomfort and fear that at times we can feel toward persons with disabilities. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Just be thoughtful and respectful. No one is out to catch you being offensive.” “Our aim,” he said, “should be to speak no longer about “them,” but rather about “us.’”
The words of Pope Francis should help to guide us as we work with individuals who have exceptionalities. Remembering that all human beings need God’s love, mercy and strength should be our focus.
Ann Herman is the Chair of Education at Vincennes University. She has the honor of teaching future Special Education Teachers. She and her husband, Dan, have raised six children, reside in Vincennes and worship at St. Francis Xavier Parish.