ASUA could use a lesson on needs of the disabled

I think that's quite appropriate and really captures the "spirit" of ASUA' s apparent level of commitment and understanding of disability issues at the University of Arizona. I think a substantial argument could be mounted that ASUA's vote to eliminate ASD is close to blatant discrimination against persons with disabilities!

Now, lest I offend the motives of the "non-disabled" community, I need to preface all further comments with a disclaimer that, in fact, I am not impugning the "good intentions" of those involved, namely ASUA and the silent university community. But as a person with a disability (51 years), a doctorate in rehabilitation, and a licensure as a psychologist and director of the Center for Disability-Related Resources for 25 years, I find it incredulous that a year ago an individual, newly disabled, was appointed director of ASD because she would be "more sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities"! In fact, the appointment likely played a major role in the ultimate destruction of ASD.

An African American colleague of mine here at the university drew an interesting parallel for me.

He said, "You know that's like a white guy discovering one day (say at 30 years of age) that his roots are really African American. Upon learning that fact, he would automatically be qualified - and have the 'sensitivity' - to fill the now-vacant directorship of the African American Cultural Center. I mean living, acting, being seen as, behaving 'white' and then one day suddenly redoing 30 years and really understanding 'black America?'"

Does anyone really believe that idea has any shred of rationality? Why would one assume that it would be true based on disability? If it is, then logic would dictate that each year I live with my disability my "sensitivity and expertise" declines.

One ASUA senator stated that ASD and CeDRR serve the same function! That's not only very na‹ve, but a highly offensive remark in my view. That's akin to suggesting that any minority group only needs one organization to represent their collective views. That implies (and since I am one, I will use my preferred term) the idea that all "gimps'" needs are similar!

Now again, wanting to be sensitive to all views on appropriate disability terminology (being p.c., that is), I prefer the term "gimp" as a self-descriptor and am not using it to label any one else. Also, my use of the term is not pejorative in any sense. For those of you who prefer "physically challenged," "differently abled," "handicapable," or whatever, that's great. By the way, there are many individuals in the deaf community who view the issue as cultural.

Frankly, I agree. I think the idea of disabilities as a sociological construct has a lot of credibility! (I'll bet the first "categorization" of a class of individuals with disabilities was concocted by a non-disabled person).

I always assumed the University of Arizona was a "community" of people made up of many diverse smaller "communities."

Are disabled persons a single homogenous group and part of no other communities? Gee, maybe the university could save money (develop efficiencies) by renaming CeDRR. Let's call it "Gimperville." Then all "gimps" could receive all services, socialization, food services, etc. at "their" place. We could even have our own fraternal organization. How about Gamma Gamma Gimper! Nice ring, hey?

Rudy Gallego, a friend of mine, (who lost his legs in Viet Nam) said he liked the idea of Gimperville. He's the "father of wheelchair basketball" in Arizona, and as a young man was a legitimate pro basketball prospect. His name implies his heritage. The only dilemma for Rudy is, if he becomes a member of this "Gimperville" community, does he have to relinquish his place in the larger communities?

Do any of you think all of this is ludicrous?

I think it's also unconscionable that ASUA dismissed the needs and concerns of members of the university community out-of-hand.

And where are my colleagues on this issue? The silence is deafening.

There are 43 million Americans with disabilities in this country, with an unemployment rate of 67 percent! Do you think that constitutes minority status?

Oh well, maybe I'm just an irritable "older gimp" who isn't very sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

Maybe I should retreat to Gimperville to hang out with "my people" - they'll understand me, won't they?

Kent B. Kloepping is the director of the Center for Disability-Related Resources.

By Kent B. Kloepping (special columnist)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 28, 1997