OT 537 Daily Challenge 1

     Aimee Mullin's Ted Talk was a unique lens to view the word disabled.  When we are "diagnosed" with a new cold, cancer, or illness we often want to research the information supporting the diagnosis. We want to know what it is, means, and how it will effect us. People that do have a disability have looked into their diagnosis as well.  They have already been disheartened by what the web defines them as due to their diagnosis and listed their limitations with a lack of encouragement to follow.  We do not often think of how hurtful, un-empowering, or what the word disabled can mean until possibly we are the individual with a disability.
     This video is important for teaching us as future therapists that we may never 100 percent understand how they feel, but we can use our words wisely to uplift, support, and strengthen our clients instead of spurting out words causing a disheartened client.  If our words are used with empathy, we (just like Aimee's childhood doctor) can offer a strength and support for our clients to accept and grow with adversity instead of telling them to always go around it or overcome it without acknowledging how obstacles have helped them grow.  By helping the client celebrate and acknowledge their obstacles, we as therapists will be providing our clients with not only current support but a life long attitude of I can do anything.