Below is a link to a speech by Aimee Mullins, given at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference. Ms. Mullins, who is an athlete, actress, model, and speaker, discusses the hidden meanings of the term disability and how these meanings can impact the lives of people living with the experience of disability. She shares many of our beliefs that disability is a real, but limited construct and should not be anyone's primary definition. She says it all far better than I ever could; hence the link below.
I love the concept of the TED Foundation (its mission statement is below). How else can we share the many new ideas about disability issues?
The goal of the foundation is to foster the spread of great ideas. It aims to provide a platform for the world's smartest thinkers, greatest visionaries and most-inspiring teachers, so that millions of people can gain a better understanding of the biggest issues faced by the world, and a desire to help create a better future. Core to this goal is a belief that there is no greater force for changing the world than a powerful idea. Consider:
An idea can be created out of nothing except an inspired imagination.
An idea weighs nothing.
It can be transferred across the world at the speed of light for virtually zero cost.
And yet an idea, when received by a prepared mind, can have extraordinary impact.
It can reshape that mind's view of the world.
It can dramatically alter the behavior of the mind's owner.
It can cause the mind to pass on the idea to others.
Aimee Mullins: The opportunity of adversity Video on TED.com
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