A sociologist by the name of Abram Maslow, theorized a “hierarchy of needs.” This hierarchy contains 4 levels of needs, leading to independence and self-sufficiency. It is then that people are able to contribute, positively, to the world around them. Each level of need must be satisfied before the person can move on to the next level of need. Think of a triangle with each level of need separated by a horizontal line. The most basic, biological needs at the bottom covering the broadest space because these needs are achieved more readily. Not in my world! A completed triangle will appear at the top symbolizing total need achievement. If we take a look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, in relation to people with disabilities, we can see that people with disabilities do not achieve the level of need fulfillment that is required to be productive, contributing members of their community. Most of the obstacles become insurmountable, leaving us powerless and out of control. However, I am living proof that where there is a will, there is a way.
The first level contains biological needs such as being able to use the restroom. While attending Florida Gulf Coast University, I became aware of a problem with the split toilet seats that were used in the restrooms the seats would become loose causing skin to get pinched while moving on and off the toilet. I advocated to have the toilet seats changed. Loosely translated, I spent as much time in the dean’s office as I did in class. The second level contains safety needs such as privacy issues. A fellow student, around the same time, had a fused neck and was unable to turn and close the bathroom door behind him with ease. A strategically placed bar on the door enabled him to close it behind him. When he asked for this small addition, he was denied. Again, I went to the dean with his claim and he got a bar. The third level contains love and belongingness needs such as having a system of social support. A friend from college was a high functioning Autistic with Asberger’s syndrome. She could punch out a 5 page paper in half an hour (and it made sense). She was awesome but could not function in any social situation. She didn’t have many friends. She helped me with my physical blunders (not a job for amateurs!) and I helped her talk to others using common, socially acceptable, rhetoric (I have a masters in bullshit). The fourth level contains esteem needs such as being able to achieve employment. I am not able, and never was, to flip burgers at Burger King. I was devastated (NOT!). My pre-any-kind-of-experience-or-knowledge job was customer service at Kinko’s.
The final level is self-actualization. The needs described on every level must be achieved in order to embody such an all-encompassing sense of self. I have chosen this model because it offers an obvious look at extra obstacles a individual with a disability will face.
An individuals needs are as rare and exceptional as the individual. Awareness of individual needs will enable people with disabilities to
overcome obstacles and become contributing members of their community.
The first level contains biological needs such as being able to use the restroom. While attending Florida Gulf Coast University, I became aware of a problem with the split toilet seats that were used in the restrooms the seats would become loose causing skin to get pinched while moving on and off the toilet. I advocated to have the toilet seats changed. Loosely translated, I spent as much time in the dean’s office as I did in class. The second level contains safety needs such as privacy issues. A fellow student, around the same time, had a fused neck and was unable to turn and close the bathroom door behind him with ease. A strategically placed bar on the door enabled him to close it behind him. When he asked for this small addition, he was denied. Again, I went to the dean with his claim and he got a bar. The third level contains love and belongingness needs such as having a system of social support. A friend from college was a high functioning Autistic with Asberger’s syndrome. She could punch out a 5 page paper in half an hour (and it made sense). She was awesome but could not function in any social situation. She didn’t have many friends. She helped me with my physical blunders (not a job for amateurs!) and I helped her talk to others using common, socially acceptable, rhetoric (I have a masters in bullshit). The fourth level contains esteem needs such as being able to achieve employment. I am not able, and never was, to flip burgers at Burger King. I was devastated (NOT!). My pre-any-kind-of-experience-or-knowledge job was customer service at Kinko’s.
The final level is self-actualization. The needs described on every level must be achieved in order to embody such an all-encompassing sense of self. I have chosen this model because it offers an obvious look at extra obstacles a individual with a disability will face.
An individuals needs are as rare and exceptional as the individual. Awareness of individual needs will enable people with disabilities to
overcome obstacles and become contributing members of their community.
THE FORGOTTEN MINORITY
Yep, that's us. Is there a way for people with disabilities to get off this lonely
island that our societal norms have banished us to? Hell yes! We just need to
build a boat and that means teamwork.
Throughout my years, I have come in contact with many
different agencies that will successfully help very specific individual's with
very specific ailments. For example, MDA is a source that works with people who
have a form of Muscular Dystrophy. NAF is for people with Ataxia. MS society is
for multiple sclerosis. DDD, Cancer Society, Children's Hospital, Make A Wish,
etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. What if we all worked together? We just might
break a stereotype!
island that our societal norms have banished us to? Hell yes! We just need to
build a boat and that means teamwork.
Throughout my years, I have come in contact with many
different agencies that will successfully help very specific individual's with
very specific ailments. For example, MDA is a source that works with people who
have a form of Muscular Dystrophy. NAF is for people with Ataxia. MS society is
for multiple sclerosis. DDD, Cancer Society, Children's Hospital, Make A Wish,
etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. What if we all worked together? We just might
break a stereotype!
