Able Privilege, Re-Conceptualizing Disability: Alan Larson at TEDxSFA
I would love to hear your thoughts and reaction to this video! It is about 17 minutes long.
Able Privilege, Re-Conceptualizing Disability: Alan Larson at TEDxSFA (17:41)
Edit: kindsoul10 made link clickable
@BlindGrapefruit My first reaction was to feel sad for the presenter, who seemed to have two disabilities, spina bifida and paranoia.
Then I wondered how it would feel to be in the audience, being accused of being "able bodied", when it's very likely many of them have hidden disabilities, or are carers, or both.
Then I thought about the presenter's privilege, having a disability that's literally iconic 
, and about how this "re-conceptualizing" would take us in the direction of what has been called an Oppression Olympics that further marginalizes those people who are already the least visible.
Then I thought it would be a really bad idea to reply here expressing these thoughts, in case SJWs might consider them incorrect.
But finally I thought, no this is 7 Cups, not Tumblr 
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie
I am sorry that you are unable to see the challenges that disabled people face and that people are just wanting to live their life but face many exclusions, including social, financial, employment, and physical in terms of the ability to access spaces. I would hope that you could hear the request to have support and opportunity and not feel so threatened by it. Inequality is real. If you cannot accept that, then I am afraid you will miss the rest of the message.
Would the world benefit if Stephen Hawking had been sequestered away and unable to work, living in a group home somewhere? So many capable people never get the chance to contribute because of limitations to the opportunities for differently abled people. We have so much room for improvement in this area.
I feel it is essential to have this discussion because we provide support for people with disabilities; we also have to look at the domino effect that occurs. People do not only have to deal with the disability but also need support for what happens to them in society. Your post is a perfect example of the hostility and angst that people face when they ask for something as simple as having a fair chance at life.
This attitude is the precise reason I felt motivated to post this TEDx. Thank you for demonstrating what we are up against.
@BlindGrapefruit i feel you Grapefruit...am saddened too...
@BlindGrapefruit you know how much I care...😔
@RarelyCharlie
I don't see signs of paranoia within this talk, I see someone who lived through a time which was not as accepting of disabilities as it is now, and society does still need improvements IMO. I do agree, many in the audience likely have a disaiblity and that could have been acknowledge. This was also biased towards the issues with mobility disabilities but that's because he was drawing from his own experience plus mentioning some of those he went to school with.
I have run into some conflict with people over the various models of disability (and there are more than 2) outside of 7cups. The medical model is one that fits pretty well for me, as while there are societal issues that I experience the medical issues are still there even if the societal problems are removed.
I understand what you're saying about the Oppression Olympics - I think rather than comparing who has it worse it's helpful to acknowledge the advantages and disadvantages people have, as we all have both and work to remove the disadvantages. It is often easier to see the disadvantages we have and the advantages others have, so seeking out some of disadvantages others have - particularly the non-obvious and the advanges we have can help to counteract some of our bias. Again, it would have been nice to have seen some of this covered in the talk.
Even though my experiences are vastly different from the presenter, and the disadvantages I deal with are quite different I didn't find this talk to be dissmissive, I just would have liked to have seen some aspects expanded upon.
@RarelyCharlie You don't need to resort to name calling of some guy who simply wants to be heard. Opression and exclusion for disabled people is a real thing. Prior to 1985 it was very likely a disabled person would have been institutionalized for life. Disabled people were not afforded the ability to use public transportation until much later. New homes and apartments have steps so it is increasingly difficult to find housing. This is not the Oppression Olympics, this is fact and real life, not tumblr.
I personally don't think that the speaker was accusing the audience of being able bodied, it was a general viewpoint to state that people sometimes take things they are able to do well physically, for granted. People with visible/without visible disabilities are equally important and both deserve to be heard and supported.
People who have visible disabilities are definitely perceived differently by some people across cultures. The societal pressure, expectations and constant judgment is a real issue. In addition, those whose disabilities are not physically evident, have their own set of challenges to encounter and overcome. One of them being, people around them not showing empathy because they simply don't see it. Them being unable to see it certainly doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.
I found the video to be quite inspiring @Blindgrapefruit Thank you for making this post!
I was going to write a longer reply and I made a draft which accidentally was deleted. But maybe that's better since I get a chance to write a shorter one.
I'm sad the audio recording wasn't better but I still watched it to the end and tried to understand as much as possible.
First of all I liked how the presenter explained his personal background, which makes it easier to follow his thoughts, to empathise.
I have to say the topic isn't new to me so I have that bias of having a broader picture in my mind when listening.
I have that background that the term able-bodied is the logical or let's say relatable consequence of dividing people into groups of "normal body functions" and "disabled, crippled, handicapped, ...". To me it's just a mirror for the social construct.
I'm pretty sure the label "able-bodied" will change with time as the different labels for people with disabilities are changing.
I understand how scary it can feel to talk about privileges, it's scary. I think everyone needs some validation and pointing at privileges feels like an attack on our efforts to prove ourselves in this world.
But when we accept that we all have different privileges, we can be more aware of other people and not leave them behind.
I really liked how the presenter mentioned his own privilege. Some of our privileges sound so trivial because they have become normal to us. For others they would make a difference and the privileges might give us an advantage we aren't even aware of.
It's interesting and thought provoking to reflect on our privileges we take for granted.
@kindSoul10 lol, good job at making it short. 😂
"
"Ableism has a dictionary definition.
People often claim that ableism is a made-up word that internet activists created just to annoy them, as opposed to a word with a history that people with disabilities I have been using to define their experiences for at least 30 years...
The Oxford English Dictionary traces the world ableism back to 1981; likely the word was in use amongst activists before then.
[< ABLE adj. + -ISM suffix, after RACISM n., SEXISM n.2, etc. Compare ABLEIST adj., and also earlier ABLED adj. 2, ABLED n.] orig. U.S. Discrimination in favor of non-disabled people; prejudice against or disregard of the needs of disabled people. 1981 Off our Backs May 39/1 ‘Ableism
"
Ableism has an academic definition.
Here
@BlindGrapefruit ive featured your thread Blind i feel this is a must needed watch and topic that can be openly discussed here
@CaringBrit
Thank you for being so supportive and proactive, as always! You and Affy have been the backbone of this community for a long time, and your kindness and support never falters. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team!
@BlindGrapefruit your welcome and thanks
I love you guys for everything you do!
@AffyAvo @CaringBrit @BlindGrapefruit @vivelespatates @JustLikeMellie @Alia3475 @energeticSail @gentleSun78 @MangoSunflower7 @SoulfullyAButterfly @WeedyGarden @1Marg1 @LittleAardwolf
@Krispykitty12
@Tazzie
@Jill7Cups
The speaker first touches upon an issue I had as a child in regards to feeling "isolated" by society by being in the company of those with my ability level. His further points seem to run on similar social expectations, so I'll just mention the first part of his key point.
When I was very young, I used to participate in a group with other fellow disabled kids where we would do activities that were catered by our ability level. I remember really enjoying it, as it was modified in a way that made it possible for everybody to participate in. I thought that was the purpose, to find fulfillment and enjoyment in these activities. As I had learned, later on, it was not about that but ascribing my disability with fellow disabled children because "they were at my level of ability and kind". I remember being horrified at the thought that people didn't see a child who was enjoying said activities, but grouping me with people "that were my kind". It really hurt and offended me and I remembered speaking up to the coordinator after she had spoken about it in such condescending language. Instead of understanding, she was confused and rather shocked that I would be hurt and offended by her shallow observations. The point I'm making is, I don't see myself as a disabled person, I see myself as a person first and foremost, who so happens to have a disability. It saddens me that people look at others based on their ability, but it makes me even more sad to see a disabled person doing that to themselves. I understand that being in a wheelchair can make you feel marginalized to a degree, but that degree is determined by how you see yourself.
I don't look at my wheelchair as an instrument of shame, but a necessary mobility aid to help me to do the things I want to do. I am grateful for what I have, and I proudly use it and advocate that there should be greater emphasis on that gratitude instead of feeling like it somehow makes me any less privileged. In fact, I am very grateful and feel privileged to use it, because there are many people in this world who are not able to receive one. Why am I any less blessed or privileged because I am in a wheelchair? What limits do I have, that I do not impose on myself? We all struggle and we all suffer, and sometimes the climb is longer for some than it is for others but that does not make any more or any less privileged. That is their road, and they have one of two choices; they can succumb to the challenges that they face, or they can find ways to adapt. That is why I believe in the mentality of, "Adapt or die", it puts me in a place of power because I am no longer fighting with others, but I am fighting with myself and only I can change my perspective and circumstances that I face. Of course, I am speaking from the perspective of someone who lives in a first world country, so it's not to say that there aren't real challenges that people face in the world in regards to their disability. I am just talking about the social stigmas that someone could face but it's important to remember self-empowerment and advocacy for your needs.
I wish more people found strength in diversity and challenges, instead of trying to blame it on others for why they feel like an outsider.
@TrueArrow
Thank you so much for what you shared. I agree it is about empowerment and self-acceptance. Especially in terms of how we feel. Even in cases where there is an obstacle, such as needing a ramp or snow removal or having trouble accessing services which you are entitled to, that self-confidence can also be helpful seeking a resolution. Ultimately it is about healing, facing challenges, and feeling empowered. Would you agree?
@BlindGrapefruit
I agree! I just don't think it's an issue of inequality, but learning to adapt and advocate for yourself. I just dislike being lumped up into the "disadvantaged", just as I don't believe in able privileged. We're all in this together and I like to think that even as a disabled person, I am afforded the same privileges and advantages as anyone else. I like to think that we all have ladders to climb, and I'm too busy climbing my ladder to see how yours compares to mine.
@TrueArrow
I see your point, and I admire your passion. You are an individual and not a faceless member of a group. "Lumped," says it all. It sounds like you have a healthy self-image, and the idea of ableism does not fit with your world view. I appreciate you for being a part of this community and sharing your reaction. I learned a lot from you. I hope you will always feel welcome here <3
@BlindGrapefruit
These are the sort of conversations that make me happy to participate in 7cups! Thank you for sharing the video and discussing this with us! 
@TrueArrow I like your self-awareness, your ability to make yourself accountable for your life instead of letting labels limit you.
I still think you misunderstood what privilege means. I agree, life isn't fair but it doesn't have to be this way. We can live life focused on ourselves, adapting to the challenges we face and accept that at some point we won't be Darwin's fittest and accept our 'destiny'.
Or we can be aware of our privileges and others and additionally to being accountable to our own lives fight for a more inclusive and fair society. I believe society is stronger in supporting each other and accepting support.
To me this means humanity. I am a dreamer but I'm not the only one.
@kindSoul10
Life is "unfair" to everyone though, that's the point I was trying to stress. We all have ladders to climb, and we all deal with obstacles/challenges at some point in our lives. I disagree with "privileged vs. disadvantaged" mentality when it's in the context he spoke of. It's the assumption that as a disabled person, my life is worse off than a person who is "able-bodied" and that somehow because I am disabled, I am automatically seen and feel like an outcast from society. Which is ironic, considering the speaker is creating that narrative on behalf of himself and the disabled. It's the sort of victimizing mentality that I think as someone who is disabled, does not benefit from. I like to work and advocate for my needs, not as a person who is marginalized from a privileged society but as a person who is a part of it.
I don't look at those who are able-bodied as privileged, because as I said, it's the assumption that somehow their struggle is lesser than mine. We've come too far with disability rights (with the few exceptions like SSI and marriage/live in partner penalties in the United States) to continue to make these claims, advocacy does not equal oppression or isolation. We can still advocate for our needs and not attach these labels upon others. It's a dangerous slope (as Charlie mentioned about the "oppression Olympics"), and as a disabled person, I feel it is my duty to speak up to those who would speak on my behalf. I have the same condition as the speaker, yet have an entirely different outlook on life and my place within this world.
@TrueArrow
I had an uncle who has now passed away who was born with a disability, and my grandparents had read this book called "The power of positive thinking." So they never used the word disability and expected him to do things as much as the other children, and they did not "coddle" him. He grew up to be a successful person, the most successful of his siblings. So I can see how a label can be limiting, and self-image and confidence are very individual, and a group identity might hold a person back.
I have also seen a person become disabled and because that put them in a position where they did not have the income that they used to have, they lost their home and became homeless. That person went to stay with a family member while waiting for their disability claim to be processed, which took years. , and the family was abusive to him. Eventually, the disability came through, and he went into a subsidized housing situation, but he struggles with depression and PTSD to this day. I knew one man who applied for housing and the waiting list was two years, and he lived in his car for two years waiting. It gets below -30F here in the winter, so living in a car is no small sacrifice. Among the homeless, the ones who have a vehicle to live in are the lucky ones. There is a support group for women living with disabilities nearby, all adults, and the speaker at one event asked for a show of hands, how many had been homeless? Two-thirds of the women raised their hands. I knew a man who had been successful in his work in a medical career but got a brain tumor. He lost everything and became homeless and lived in a shelter and went to the free meals for the homeless. He was expected to die any day, but the disability claim takes longer than he expected to live. I never saw him again, but I imagine he died living homeless.
I have also seen people commit crimes and go to jail. They get three meals a day, a place to sleep a roof over their heads. Sometimes they have gym facilities. After some time, many get released. It makes me wonder if maybe some people living with a disability would do better if they committed a crime and went to jail? I do not care actually to debate this; I am just saying that the standard of living and opportunities that I have seen people living with leaves something to be desired.
I would hope that this is not a topic to bring people down and cause more depression, but it seems to me that people living with disabilities and people not living with disabilities could look at this suffering and see that these are PEOPLE. I believe with all my heart, that is it possible to do better and that we could work together regardless of disability status. We can do better than this.
According to the World Health Organization, "People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives." If I can look at those facts and feel like that is ok because I have my life and I am doing ok, then I can keep climbing my ladder. They will continue living with no ladder at all, and nothing changes. But I am greedy; I want more. It hurts to see people suffer. I envision a world where people have access to good health care, educational opportunities, economic opportunities, and can avoid living in poverty even if they are living with a disability. I envision a world where people can get the services they need to live a life where they can develop their potential as a person. Then we will not need to talk about "privilege" anymore. Then the word "ableism" will not even need to exist.