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From: Emily Igl
Date: 20 Oct 2010
Time: 11:41:47 -0500
Remote Name: 143.236.34.53
Thank you for your article on bringing awareness to stuttering and providing a clear link to fitting in the definition of a disability. It was intriguing to read some of the comments made by students who stuttered, but do not label themselves as ‘disabled.’ Your application of the World Health Organization’s definition of a disability, provided a clear framework for your argument. Starting in-utero, parents hope and pray their child will be healthy – and “normal.” The desire to be “normal” extends through life. Most parents hope their child will fit in with other children and feel inclined to pursue whatever career or life direction they desire. It is understandable why students who stutter reject the label, as globally the term is not highly viewed. Expanding on the term ‘disability’ and how any ‘normal’ individual would fit into its classification at some point in their life begins to ‘normalize’ being disabled. At some juncture in life, we all fall into the definition and why not seek assistance? The effects of whatever disability someone is encountering would likely be minimized when resources and assistance are incorporated to combat their obstacles. Discarding the shame incorrectly associated with being disabled will hopefully lead to more people who stutter to seek assistance. Thank you for your article, I look forward to reading more about your study once the data is fully analyzed!