We live in the age of political correctness - one where medical breakthroughs have made us aware of many reasons for various disadvantages and new disabilities.  In many cases, people have struggled all their lives with certain tasks and are getting tested for a range of “disorders” well into their adulthood.  They end up with a label that explains to them exactly why they’ve been struggling for so long and appropriate concessions can be made in various settings. 

In such cases, labels are a good thing.  I am certainly thankful for the accommodations made on my behalf.  Were it not for things like text books on tape - which I am allowed to receive due to my label as a visually impaired student, I might flunk out of school because I am certainly not able to read all the textbook material. Therefore the label of visually impaired, provides me with an equal chance to achieve what someone who does not have a visual impairment could.

The problem with labels is that the special consideration taken by others often go above and beyond the ramifications of the disability.  I most definitely require large diagrams on exams to account for may visual impairment. I also require a scribe to account for my fine motor difficulties.  But I get annoyed when professors offer me things like one sheet of notes to help my memory in the exam.  The few who have done so, have done so to be nice, but it bothers me because, in my opinion, overcompensating for my challenges undermines what I am able to accomplish without special consideration.  Furthermore by overcompensating for the challenges of many people who have disabilities some achievements are invalidated to a degree.   

The negative effects of labels aren’t only external.  Once a person is labeled, the tendency is not only to accept concessions due to their disability, but to lower their expectations of themselves, assuming that they do not have to or they cannot get better.  In my experience there are very few things that can’t get better if you work at them. 

So if you’re going to take a challenge; grab it by the horns regardless of your disability.  Who knows, if you’re able to achieve it despite your disability, the accomplishment might be that much more rewarding.  Don't let labels say too much.

In any case, keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal