Kendall and all. Back a couple years ago when I was completing my career as a professional part-time student <insert melancholy sigh here> my academic adviser and department chair (communications) also happened to be the Campus Commissar for Political Correctness. In order to complete the program I had to take one of her silly courses in "Contemporary Subcultures", or some such nonsense. We delved into such varied and esoteric topics as the "Schism Between Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy as Expressed in Cathedral Architecture" (I kid you not) and "Alternative Lifestyles and the Native American Experience". Anyway, we got around to the evolution of social group names (e.g., "negro" became "black" became "African American") and how progressive societies elevated social groups by making current labels offensive and creating new labels that were supposed to magically raise socioeconomic status. We were lectured ad nauseum about how hurtful these labels were to said groups. Go figure. So she got around to me and said, "Kyle, when you were a child, you were 'crippled', then you became 'disabled'. Our progressive society has come to learn that 'disabled' still carries baggage, so you'll be pleased to know that you are not DIS-abled, but 'differently abled'. Doesn't that make you feel empowered?" "Only if it scores me an "A" in this class", says I. The sarcasm blew past her like a kid getting ready to score his first beer. Says Prof. PC, "Kyle, can you give us an example how your "different abilities" have made your life "different"? "Sure. I got this plastic thingy I can hang on my rear-view mirror--looks like a guy sitting on a commode. Anyway, I can hang that thing up and park right next to the mall at Christmas-time while the rest of you have to drag your sorry arses a half-mile! (In the words of Napoleon Dynamite, 'Lucky!')." She STILL didn't get it! -----Original Message----- From: Cerebral Palsy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kendall D. Corbett Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 1:50 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: what were your childhoods like? <snip> I also don't see an accessible parking space (for example) as a privilege, but as a way for a business to assure that they'll get my business. It's too bad that enough businesses didn't see the economic advantages to implementing the provisions of the ADA voluntarily, as pwd's (and elders) are potentially the largest segment of the economy. If businesses want our money and talent, it's incumbent upon them to ensure we can get in the door, and get around inside, as customers or employees. I'd also be interested to hear about the "special privileges" your disability has entitled you to. ----------------------- To change your mail settings or leave the C-PALSY list, go here: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=c-palsy