They say that they are special or that we will inherit their feelings if we call them disabled… Have you ever asked a person with functional or intellectual disabilities how you want you to call them or take them away? Talking to them too loudly, holding hands to cross the street or assuming that they are always happy are just some of the situations to which disabled people are exposed. Not to mention that people assume as exceptional the fact that they are autonomous, work, go to party or have a partner.
But how do we live in this pluralistic society and complex if we do not know all the sensitivities that coexist around us? With these concerns and the alien of a new adventure, in the elParlante We take on the challenge of expanding our horizon to work on diversity from a new perspective, that of disability.
We find an empowered group
We went to Sant Vicenç dels Horts with the aim of creating an audiovisual piece that helps break with the stereotypes that exist about disabled people and the perception that exists of normality. In the Iris Foundation, Laura, Sandra, Iban, Lidia, Juanjo, Maricarmen, Manolita and Berta were waiting for us.
“They look down on us”, “they treat us badly”, “I don’t want to be treated like a bicho”, “I am normal”
Phrases that were emerging throughout the first sessions of knowledge and trust, with the group of participants of the project on disability that we carried out with the Iris Foundation.
Leti and Laura, educators of the project, remember that they had planned that first day as a space of knowledge and listening to the needs raised by the group. And they met some very vindictive people, who are very clear about things, above all, what their image is towards society. “They look down on us”, “they treat us badly”, “I don’t want to be treated like a bicho”, “I am normal”, they say.
Among their demands, they ask to be called disabled people, not special, and want to be treated as normality, like ordinary people, who have work, partners, hobbies, and a well-defined sexuality. Although they may go to the doctor and therapy a little more than the media, and they have some other privilege, they say: “Cheaper public transport and free entrance to Tibidabo”.
The moment of collective creation
Through theatre and play, the group of participants was blown down the barrier. Now we meet a group more open to learning new things, working as a team, willing to talk about discrimination and inclusion in the first person. To think and recreate situations in which they have felt excluded. With the certainty that we can share the result of this project with their families and with the entire community of neighbors of Sant Vicenç dels Horts.
Finally, the time has come to write the script, to act, to record… Like all groups, there are always many ideas and many stories to tell, some more personal, others funny and full of humor, others of love, horror or mystery. Now we have a topic, the argument will speak of unplugged disability.
As they say in the group: “Nobody knows what it’s like to work with us until you’re inside.” So we have thought, what better way to immerse yourself in the universe of disability than through its protagonists, of the emotions that arise when we see a good movie?
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