UAB's manifesto for the International Day for People with Disabilities
11/12/2017
Pride of Belonging
Words became small to describe a moment as big as this. It's hard for you to imagine it. One, while writing this text, tries to be fair with those who make this moment possible.
I am referring to those brave parents who had the option of stopping the pregnancy when they knew that their son could be disabled , and didn't. And they raise their child with love.
I am referring to those brothers, sisters and relatives who knew how to share the attention of their parents understanding that there was a new person in the family with different needs. And they took care of them with love.
I am referring to those friends who didn't discriminate and had an innocent view when we were playing. And all we won.
I am referring to those teachers who knew how to value the diversity and that we all deserved an opportunity. And they gave us their best advices.
I am referring to the women and men who confront the criticisms from them who believe themselves better for being... normals?, and they kiss us, and love us with the same kind of love that they receive from us. And, well, they discuss as any other couple.
But above any other people, I am referring to those who are not anymore with us. People who lived stigmatized, isolated, without opportunities, without rights, without duties and without placer. For all of them... thank you. I would like to ask for a big applause for all of them.
We are on time to honor their efforts and memory. They would like this moment to become real... I am referring to you, who are part of the solution. Who are commemorating this day. We shall pursue this path, because there's still people stigmatize, without rights, without duties, without placer.
Consequently, I would give you some messages more that might surprise you.
I am proud of having functional diversity.
Over the years I'd answer no few times to the question if I would like to walk. I wouldn't change my life. As well as you wouldn't have to aspire to be different from how you are now. The acceptance is our way to be in essential happy, let's be as we are.
Don't be afraid to have functional diversity someday. I know some of you might have questioned it, but the functional diversity has a lot to say in the future.
We are more sensitive to changes, we perceive them earlier.
We are innovation. How many of you use the remote control? And a smartphone? And automation? All of this is part of our everyday life, and for people with functional diversity, are obvious needs, which could be created before in an inclusive society.
We are acceptance. This is the way we'd like to be seen, we reflect this image to the person in front of us. Returning the will to be the person that wants to be and facilitating this path.
We've arrived. Now is the time to enjoy, let me encourage you to create a better world. An inclusive world