"A Credo for Support" 1995-Axis Cons. & Training Ltd.

Throughout history people with physical and mental disabilities have been abandoned at birth, banished from society, used as court jestors, drowned and burned during Nazi Germany, and still continue to be segregated, institutionalized, tortured in the name of behaviour management, abused, euthanized, and murdered. Now, for the first time, people with disabilities are taking their rightful place as fully contributing citizens, The danger is that we will respond with remediation and benevolence rather than equity and respect. And so we offer you:
A CREDO FOR SUPPORT
Do not see my disability as the problem,
Recognize that my disability is an attribute.

Do not see my disability as a deficit,
It is you who see me as deviant and helpless.

Do not try to fix me because I am not broken.
Support me. I can make my contribution to the community in my way.

Do not see me as your client. I am your fellow citizen.
See me as your neighbor. Remember, none of us can be self-sufficient.

Do not try to modify my behaviour.
Be still and listen. What you define as inappropriate may be my only attempt to communicate with you in the only way I can.

Do not try to change me, you have no right.
Help me learn, I want to know.

Do not hide your uncertainty behind professional distance.
Be a person who listens, and does not take my struggle away from me by trying.

Do not use theories and strategy on me.
Be with me. And when we struggle
with each other, let that give rise to self reflection.

Do not try to control me. I have a right to my power as a person.
What you call non-compliance or manipulation may
actually be the only way I can exert some control over my life.

Do not teach me to be obedient, submissive, and polite.
I need not feel entitled to say no if I am to protect myself.

Do not be charitable towards me.
The last thing the world needs is another Jerry Lewis,
Be my ally against those who exploit me for their own gratification.

Do not try to be my friend. I deserve more than that.
Get to know me we may become friends.

Do not help me, even if it does make you feel good.
Ask if I may need your help. let me show you how you can best assist me.

Do not admire me. A desire to live a full life does not warrant adoration.
Respect me, for respect presumes equity.

Do not tell, correct, and lead.
Listen, support, and follow.

Do not work on me.
Work with me.

(Dedicated to the memory of Tracy Latimer. 1995- WRITTEN BY: Norman Kune and Emma Van der Klift. Distributed by Axis Consultation & Training Ltd).