Journal 12- Aimee Liwanag

I think that the term "disabled" is a term that is socially constructed in order to classify people.  To be disabled, whether it be mental or physically, is just like saying that a certain individual is unable to do certain things because of their physical/mental disability.  I don't think that it is right for one to call someone disabled, for being disabled connotes to negative thoughts, such as being restricted from doing things that normal people do.  For example, one who is confined to a wheelchair may be identified as being disabled for he/she may need extra assistance in getting around.  These individuals may not see themselves as being disabled for they are able to do everything that everyone else can do, just differently.  Throughout school, I have witnessed student being bullied due to being differently abled.  Whether it was mental or physical, students would bully these differently abled students for being different.  Having a nephew who is autistic, I do hope that students do not bully him for being differently able.  We must understand the struggles that these individuals face on a day-to-day basis.  Students must learn at an early age that we are all different, and that we must respect and accept one another for these differences.  I don't want to say that my nephew is disabled, for he is not.  He is a fun, loving, adorable, and intelligent child that just learns differently, and people should realize that regardless of him being autistic.