To Table of Contents
Ableism- sometimes unknowingly, other times deliberately expressed: I want to first define my understanding of ableism. It ' s when bodies are placed on a spectrum based on their looks, abilities, and productivity. A person like me, for example:
First, I don ' t look like the " norm." This automatically makes me less attractive, less desired, unworthy, understandably single / childless. And my partner instantly becomes a hero for being with me.
Second, in order to be productive in a society that was initially built only for " normally functioning " bodies, I require " special " accommodations. This automatically makes me a burden on society, a " less than." And, if I thrive despite the obstacles, I am viewed as an inspiration. pandemic began. Since my Instagram page exits only two years, most of my latest travel posts are from Israel. If I had to choose one place, it would be Jerusalem ' s old town. Although not very accessible, so very special!
Being brought up in such a society without any disabled people around, these were my views. I felt sorry for the disabled, made assumptions about their lives and abilities. Although somehow, intuitively, I knew that asking invasive questions was a no-no, I never treated them as equals.
When I was first diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, I believed my life was over. My family did as well. I believed that no one will ever want this broken version of me. I believed it to the point that to avoid heartache, I sabotaged every potential relationship. That ' s one example of internalized ableism.
Travel and my appreciation of nature: I have been traveling for two decades, in Israel and around the world. Since 2018, I started traveling in a wheelchair and only made it to three countries before the
Israel as an accessible country: For a tourist, Israel is mostly accessible. There are quite a few accessible transportation options( taxis, trains, city buses). Most National Parks and Nature Reserves were made accessible along with beaches, museums, tourist attractions, and hotels.
For someone who lives here, it ' s a different story. Along with some positives such as equal healthcare and partial mobility aids funding, there ' s still much work to be done. But we ' re moving in the right direction.
@ rollwithasmileblog