In last week’s Sunday Poser, Sadje asked what independence means to you. Her question was related to Independence Day in the United States. Of course, one can view independence and freedom in light of one’s national political situation. For example, the Netherlands is a pretty stable democracy. The country has been independent in its current form ever since 1815, though Wikipedia even lists 1648 as the Netherlands’ independence year.
I for one, however, tend to apply independence and freedom much more personally. By independence, I refer to the skills I can do by myself, ie. self-reliance. This includes eating, toileting, dressing myself, writing my blog, etc. But it also includes the skills of self-determination.
I think self-determination is particularly important. By this I mean the ability to know what you want and make it clear in some way or another. Everyone, the disability rights movement assumes, has this capacity. Yes, even people who can’t talk and are labeled as profoundly intellectually disabled. However, it is so commonly overridden by well-meaning family or “helping” professionals.
I remember a client at the first day center with my current care agency for people with intellectual disability I attended. This client had severe cerebral palsy, was profoundly intellectually disabled, couldn’t speak, had epilepsy and was blind. However, somehow, the staff had figured out that bergamot essential oil was her favorite scent.
The same client was also sometimes called “spoiled” when she cried and then was quiet once the staff put a vibrating hose around her body. I’d say she was making known what she wanted. She was using her independence!
With respect to independence as freedom, I, for one, think that self-determination is more important than self-reliance. For example, I get help with my personal care. I myself asked for this after I noticed that it cost me a lot of energy to do it myself. Even though I could, with a lot of verbal instruction, take care of my personal hygiene independently if I really needed to, I decided this isn’t a priority for me. My staff, thankfully, agree.
What is important to you where it comes to independence?
I am also joining MMA StoryTime’s Word of the Day.
Self-determination is key for me as well. What I’m capable of doing may change over time, but I want to always be the one making choices.
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Agree 100%. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Hooray for your self-determination, it is very important!
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Thank you. I agree completely!
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You’re so right that self-determination is very important. To convey it to others is equally important. This is a form of freedom that everyone should exercise. Thanks Astrid for sharing your thoughts
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And thank you for commenting. I’m so glad your question inspired me to share my perspective.
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I am glad that I got an insight into how things are with you
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Oh, thanks for saying that. I am glad you appreciate it.
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This is the best thing about connecting with others with blogging, is learning about other point of views.
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It definitely is, thank you! 🙂
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You’re welcome
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Self reliance is important to me. I am glad I can take care of my physical hygiene. I am also so glad I can travel places independently. It allows me to do a lot of things I couldnt otherwise do. I am also glad I live in my own house, my own space, and I have the freedom to choose who visits me. Xx
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That makes sense given your circumstances. I used to find these things really important too.
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