Teneisha Johnson
Influence never stops with one Gener8tion or Disability – Word up!!
It is no secret that sometimes I find writing to be a challenge.
Many years ago I was asked to write about the advantages of having a disability.
Wow! Initially I was unable to fathom such an existence and decided that the only way to tackle such a mystery was to do some research.
Out of habit, I checked my bible to see what God had to say about such things.
In Exodus 4:11-12, I read about Moses and his continuous complaints to the Lord about his speech impediment.
Hhmm…..maybe Moses felt like me.
The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?
Who makes him deaf or mute?
Who gives him sight or makes him blind?
Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say”.
There I had my first example of a person living with a disability from a biblical perspective, but I want to place my main focus on two places and one person in particular- The Cayman Islands Sunrise Centre, The Jamaican Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) and the well known Helen Keller.
The Sunrise Adult Training Centre has been a reality in the Cayman Islands since 1986, helping many disabled young men and women to live more full lives.
The program me was started in the 70’s when an abnormally high number of Caymanians were exhibiting symptoms of a disease now known as Cayman Cerebella Ataxia.
Since then there have been other heredity disorders here in Cayman such as the Sickle Cell Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, San Filippo A (commonly known as Storage Disease), Usher Syndrome and Apolipoprotein CII Deficiency.
Because of this, it is a good idea if you are planning to have a child, to find out if any diseases run in either of your families and also to find out if you are related to each other!
This way, you can make informed decisions about your future.
Did you also know that there have been some highly successful people with disabilities- people like Helen Keller who was born June 27, 1880?
She was unable to see and hear.
However; she learnt how to communicate and was an advocate for people with disabilities and numerous other causes.
You might asked-What made her different?
I believe it had a lot to do with her positive attitude towards life and not allowing her disabilities to hinder her from finding a way to make a difference.
If she could do it then- why could we not have more disable people do it now.
Remember, influence never stops with one generation or a disability.
People assume that blindness and deafness would sever you completely from the things which the seeing and the hearing enjoy.
However, the lack of these senses only intensifies the remaining three of touch, smell and taste.
I also believe that because of such disabilities a person might receive more support and attention, be more confident, and have the ability to focus more on positive mental imagery without visual distractions or negative feedback.
A disable person would probably also have higher moral behaviors and ethical sensitivity, a strong sense of family, successful interpersonal relationships, be less materialistic and be more involved in local and political causes-giving generously to charitable organizations.
Labeling and development of our personalities starts from the moment we are born.
A person who is deaf would be more likely to create a positive self image if they were unable to hear their parents, family and friends placing limitations on them.
Positive or negative, we tend to believe what we hear.
I believe a disabled person would have a better chance of creating their own “persona”. Creating a unique personality to cope with the challenges of life.
I also believe that our society needs to place more value on things that make people with disabilities, different or special.
The emphasis is generally on conformity or what we consider normal.
In 1915, Helen Keller founded the Helen Keller International Organization with George Kessler.
This organization has been devoted to research in vision, health and nutrition.
A certain amount of confidence is definitely required to birth such an undertaking.
Without the usual visual distractions and sometimes negative feedback, Helen was able to build her confidence and build that organization.
Studies consistently show that if you have the ability to focus on a certain goal without too many distractions you are more likely to achieve your vision or dream.
The Sunrise Adult Learning/Training Centre in West Bay is currently on the mend and with continued planning and provisions made.
I am confident that the general well- being of disable adults will be amended.
Isn’t that awesome! When you are confident in yourself and your vision, you tend to remind yourself of your strengths.
Everybody’s got a few good points.
Helen used her ability to write and published several articles and books.
One of her earlier articles was called The Frost King which she wrote at the tender age of eleven.
Perhaps you can start a newsletter or a magazine!
Or create a website:
or blogs:
https://teneishajohnsondream.wordpress.com
http://thinkr.xyz/members/teneishajohnson/
or utilize products as seen below:
Perhaps you might only be blind, but you are considered a great listener or a famous musician and star like Stevie Wonder.
Or you work well with your hands. You might even be able to differentiate between certain smells or enjoy food more, because the other senses of taste and smell have been intensified.
Theses reasons might seem simple, but are just small ways which a person with a disability such as blindness can rejoice and be more confident.
Being confident is one aspect, but how about higher moral behaviors and ethical sensitivity.
How many disable people do you know have broken the law or seek to hurt others.
Personally I can’t think of any.
I sincerely believe a disable person is naturally inclined to be sympathetic towards others since they rely on others to threat them that way.
They generally pay more attention to their interpersonal relationships and become successful at it.
I also believe they are not as materialistic since they are unaware of the visual aspects of life if they are blind.
Have you ever heard the term, “Window shopping?”
That theory normally leads to actually spending.
A disable person might not be as affected by these natural consumer habits.
Helen Keller was exceptional indeed and was involved in a lot of political causes and believed in giving generously to charitable organizations.
When you as an individual have experienced the same disability as another person, you tend to be very passionate and driven for that cause.
These feelings are sometimes created from a lifetime of experience and can provoke change and generate great influence.
To be blind, deaf or living with any disability, does not mean a stagnant life, or a life devoid of meaning or disadvantages.
It can mean greater battles to be fought and overcome.
It can also mean pushing towards discovering your purpose, your destiny- letting your inner confidence propel you forward.
If the disable person is given the support and attention they need.; who knows-perhaps we might once again discover another ‘Helen Keller’.
Most recently the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) had their Deaf Dance Competition.
According to Keisha Hill from the Jamaican Gleaner, approximately 80 children and adults from various schools across the island competed for the top honors in the festival.
The inspiring event featured dance items that ranged from creative folk to praise to modern contemporary and popular dance.
The JCDC’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations Stephen Davidson said that the Deaf Dance Competition is an annual favorite on the overall performing arts national finals calendar.
"The competition showcased the cultural strides being made by the deaf community through dance and the wholesome family entertainment that the JCDC is known for,” he said.
Organized by the JCDC, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Deaf Dance is part of the weeklong celebration in dance, dubbed Dance Week, included in the National Finals of the Festival of the Performing Arts.
The glass is always half full.
The person you may or may not see in the mirror can make a difference.
Think positive! Choose wisely and be the change.
Remember, Influence never stops with one Generation or a Disability!
