We always arrive at things as who we are, with a disability: strange, unique. Always looking for recognition and validation of our existence, to be accepted as having unique abilities.
And so, the disability is often considered in the twofold context of society and one’s abilities. Introduces the question of whether our disability is abnormal or acceptable? Whether it is appropriate to present it in public, to use it?

This is why the encounter with disability generates strong emotions that range between repulsion to empathy. Reflection that sees disability as a hindrance and as a failure. Something one should overcome, conceal, fear. As if we were defective machines. Reduced to the disability we are. The disabled wish to consider his actions beyond questions of ability and social acceptance. To turn his specific uniqueness into a concrete trait. Into something one does things with. It is the disability that defines the human – meaning, the freedom to be – and you are the one who defines the disability.

And yet, the shame that accompanies the notion of deformity does not go away. Even before every action, it settles as an expression of singularity and fundamental incongruity between abilities and will; between myself and the other; what should be and what is. To be disabled is to make room for shame. Give yourself as a gift to society. A gift no one can refuse.

You are “the weakest link” that makes the system work.