A discussion I've often seen on message boards and email lists for disabled
and blind people is about if a cure became available for your disability
would you take it. I think if a non disabled person was asked that question
it's a bit of a no-brainer. The answer would always be yes, every time but
it's not so clear cut for disabled people. I would think This is hard to
believe for a non disabled person. Do you believe me? Check out the
following link from the fantastic BBC ouch website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/features/b1tch/130407.shtml
Now I wouldn't say I completely agree with all of the statements in the link
above but I understand the points and also used to share the opinions.
I used to say that if a cure came out for my eye condition that I would have
to think very carefully about taking it. The reason being that it would
change everything for me. My whole life I've been blind. Everything I've
learnt from being a little child I've learnt to do as a blind person. I'd be
worried about how it would affect my life, would I be able to cope and being
able to see things. Would it affect my professional life? Would I still be
able to use a computer to the same level using the screen compared to using
speech to name just a few. Again if you're not in my position you probably
find that quite hard to understand however it is a small sub set of the
questions I'd have to look at before accepting a cure.
I'm probably going to not make my self very popular with in the disabled
pride community but since getting married about a year ago and certainly
since I found out I was going to be a dad my opinions have now changed.
There is no doubt that I would find it tuff to adjust to being able to see
and I would have to learn to do things from a sighted paspective but now I
think I probably would take the cure. (there isn't a cure at the moment so
this is a theoretical discussion anyway.)
Don't get me wrong, I'm completely happy with my blindness, to use a phrase
I hate with a passion "I've accepted my blindness". But let's be honest, the
majority of things I can do as well or better than a sighted person however
there is some stuff that I simply can't do. Off the top of my head something
as simple as driving would completely change how mobile I would be. Driving
is a big issue for me. I would love to be able to drive.
I guess the reason that I'm talking about this tonight is because of the
scan today. I did feel a bit left out as although Gem described what the
scan looked like I feel like I've missed something by not directly being
able to see it. The midwife was using an ultrasound machine which couldn't
play the heartbeat which means I wasn't really able to get involved with the
scan.
I'm not saying that I'm not happy with my blindness or the scan, I am. But
I'm being realistic there are things I'm going to miss and particularly now
with the little one on the way.
I'm not even sure if I'm making sense and I'm certainly not saying this to
be pitied, in fact if I'm being pitied you've completely missed the point of
the post. All I'm really trying to do or explain is how I'm feeling at the
moment.
So the question for tonight is in a couple of parts.
1.. If your disabled would you take a cure if one was available. If so
why, if not why not.
2.. If you're not disabled can you understand the views of disabled people
about cures?
Views and answers in the comments or by email to BLOG@NDAdamson.com.
Sorry again for a serious post. More proof again that I shouldn't blog too
late at night but hopefully it's made you think.
Take care.
A slightly confused Nick.
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