Principles of Kids' Vision   Essentially, "Kids' Vision" is a story. It is designed intentionally to communicate far-future, constructive ideals, rather than current or near-future realities. The designed vision purposefully uses language that is positive and affirming to clearly construct an idea of what can be, rather than leaving room for interpretation by vaguely saying what shouldn't be. Further, the designed vision uses progressive concepts that reframe existing structures in society, such as schools, hospitals, the medical profession and services, simply because some of the ideals expressed could not exist in the context of these current paradigms. The purpose of taking this approach to creating a vision for services for disabled children and families is three-fold. First, it allows us to remove ourselves from the current climate of service delivery and consider not where we want to go next, but where we want to end up. Like a journey in a car, knowing the final destination helps plan the route, rather than aimlessly turning corners hoping one gets to where one wants to go (and maybe ending up where one doesn't want to be). Secondly, employing an element of idealism offers insight into some philosophical premises upon which a future ideal must be based. Like a grand house built on unstable foundations, any seemingly well-designed structure built on unsound philosophy will be, at best, illusory and, at worst, dangerous. The designed vision questions, and offers alternatives to, some fundamental beliefs not only about disability but also about human nature and society in general. As such it asks the reader to suspend judgement and consider that some of the beliefs and values we hold as humans are not absolute truths but simply truth as we know it. Finally, the designed vision plants a seed in the minds of all who read it and, in doing so, begins a process of creation. In the course of reading and thinking about the designed vision - and people reading the draft said that they had to read it several times in order to absorb some of the new concepts and ideals - we hope people will discuss and debate the concepts. We further trust that, following thought and discussion, people will act in some way that reflects their new thoughts and words, in turn provoking even more new thoughts, words and actions. While the designed vision is not real in the context of the present, it can be real in our minds. And as we move forward with that new version of reality in our thoughts, we can begin to make it part of our future words and actions. OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES: The designed vision contains overarching principles that reframe many socially constructed beliefs about disabled people. Over time, humanity has changed its perceptions of women, indigenous people and ethnic minorities, in turn improving social conditions for these groups. Similarly, humanity can change its core beliefs about the experience of impairment and disability in order to truly effect social change for disabled people and families. The principles are: - Disability can be a positive experience - There is a continuum between disability and non-disability - Pride in being disabled - Disability is a social construct - Disabled people have something to offer - Families experience disability culture and the disabled lifestyle - Disability support needs to be designed - Emotional support exists in an accepting community - Practical support exists in an accepting community - A constructively inclusive lifestyle is ideal - Disabled children need to dream freely

TOP  home | about | principles | taste | free | text | author | dpa