Breathe
By María Alatriste
Discrimination on the basis of a person's physical and intellectual condition still remains little visible in social systems with principles that could still be considered eugenic (what is considered more or less fit in biology).
Agustina Palacios and Javier Romañach (2006) mention that a large part of society is in a rehabilitative (paternalistic) paradigm that still unconsciously discriminates women and men from the rest of society because of their physical and intellectual condition. Disability still persists with stigma and social ignorance.
I had the immense satisfaction of participating in 2019, in the development of axes for a campaign that promoted an association in Zaragoza, Spain, called ATADES together with Rosa (a communication crack). I got to know in depth what they were doing, I spent time there and met some people with disabilities who were part of that association. To tell you the truth, I think that project contributed more to my life than I was able to contribute. It taught me too much. I remember leaving there with a very special feeling, reminding me of the important things in life, taking me away from the banal. Being there made me feel that I could be myself, in a world where there is so much beauty even in complexity.
I was also able to meet with mothers and fathers of children with disabilities, due to the focus groups that were conducted for the campaign. I remember a comment from one of the mothers with disabilities, who said with great concern that one of her greatest fears was to leave this world and her child in it. I could empathize, though not fully understand, until I became a mother and understood the fear she was referring to. However, I could see happy people in a diverse world. It was also really hopeful to know that, despite the differences, people are so much light when we see the world through the lens of love, breaking down the prejudices of paternalistic ignorance, which believes that people with disabilities are not able to fit in this world when in reality, disability is created by social systems with their hostility and ignorance. From creating spaces that are not designed for diversity to prejudices that generate a false idea about people and families living with disabilities.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Sandra Robledo, mother of a daughter with a disability, at an inspiring workshop. Coincidentally, I was thinking of writing this column because of my interest in the topic and I wanted to reflect a voice close to me as well. When I met her, she caught my attention from head to toe; she was someone who enlightened herself in adversity to elevate her essence seeking to be a better mother, better person. I asked her to participate in a brief and informal interview to tell us a little about her experience through three questions and luckily she said yes. She answered the following:
What is your biggest learning from being a mom of a daughter with a disability?"I learned patience. Before I became a mother of a child with a disability, I also had three older children and I was not as patient. With her, the universe and God gave me the gift of patience and the gift of unconditional love."
How do you think we can change society's limiting beliefs about disability?
"End cultural taboos, stop avoiding the issue or choosing not to seek support for our children with disabilities because we are embarrassed for them to find out."
What would you say to other mothers who are just facing the situation of having a child with a disability?
"Accept the situation with love for life, God or the universe (depending on each person's beliefs). Accept that children with disabilities are teachers and that if we are blessed to have a son or daughter with a disability, it is because there is also something we need to learn in this life. It is a learning that is certainly not easy, but it is beautiful when you look at it as a blessing. Finally, I would like to add something very often said to us mothers and fathers who have children with disabilities: they tell us that our children are angels on earth, but in reality I have realized that the real angels are those mothers and fathers who go with them.
I am very grateful to Sandra for these reflections full of strength, wisdom and light. Her words leave many teachings about how by seeing the world with the gift of gratitude and diversity, it is always possible to find a genuine beauty deep within it.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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