Differences Don't Have to Be a Downside
— by Laura Whitaker
We come into the world and we are separated by our differences and similarities. Age separates us into grades, where we live commonly defines our languages and cultures, academic skill sets put us in classes, and gifts, talents and interests separate us into extracurriculars and eventually careers. Without realizing it, we become wired to see difference as a downside.
As a non-profit leader who serves individuals of all abilities, my mission is to teach generations both now and in the future to reach beyond these differences. As a parent, my responsibility is to teach my children to challenge the natural boundaries. And as a believer in Christ, it is my joy to inspire people without disabilities to learn from people with disabilities. Leaders of all walks, but especially those who follow the example of Jesus, have the powerful opportunity to change the perspective of our community at large by simply modeling to their organization a posture of childlike faith and the perspective of Jesus.
Early in my career, I learned what this powerful perspective actually was. I was asked to take one of our participants at ESP, a teenager with an intellectual disability, to the hospital from camp in an ambulance. I met his single dad at the hospital. As I watched him cradle his son in the hospital bed, his story began to unfold. When his son was born, his pastor told him there was hidden sin in the family which caused his son’s disability. This led to workaholism and alcoholism, avoiding his son for the first 10 years and eventually avoiding his wife and daughter as well. One day, he was on a business trip and at an all-time low. He opened a drawer in his hotel room and took out the Bible. It opened immediately to John 9, the story of the man who was born blind. The disciples ask Jesus, “who sinned, this man or his parents?” and Jesus responds with, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be seen through him.” Jesus uses disability, a blind man, to help others see. The father realized in that moment that his son was a gift meant to help him and others to see Jesus.
I often have described this idea using a concept I call the dandelion effect—the parallel with a dandelion and how we see difference. When you are a child, you see a dandelion as a beautiful yellow flower. In the same way, when you are a child, you do not see differences as negative. You notice the difference but see it as intriguing and a delight.
Somewhere along the way to adulthood, you begin to see dandelions as a weed and similarly, we begin to see disabilities or differences as negative. As business, community and faith leaders, we have the ability to challenge ourselves to be called back to the childlike heart, Jesus’ heart, and teach those around us to hold onto that beautiful perspective. Like any other change in our culture, this takes time and intentionality.
When spending time with kids with special needs, it does not take long to see beyond their disability to their ability. The beauty in seeing their ability allows us to see ourselves and others the way God has made us: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
I have seen firsthand when people of all abilities are given the same opportunities, it is not only life-giving to them and their families, but to our entire society. It is a beautiful juxtaposition to see that we who are considered “typically developing” can actually learn some of life's most important lessons from those with disabilities.
Multiple studies show that by educating children about individuals with disabilities at a young age, they become more accepting of differences throughout their entire lifetime and are more likely to form relationships with people with disabilities. Imagine how that could change our world if we also educated those who listen to us as leaders to this same concept.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
As entrepreneurs, believers and leaders, may we use the opportunity to showcase the delight instead of the disability as we create a world that embraces people of all abilities, one moment, one interaction at a time.
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Laura Whitaker began as a volunteer at Extra Special People in 2003. With her passion for enhancing the lives of children with developmental disabilities and her specialized education in this field, Laura was selected as the Executive Director at the age of 19. As Executive Director, Laura uses her leadership and management strengths to manage staff, oversee year-round programs, summer camps and business ventures like Java Joy while raising millions of dollars for the organization. Her favorite part of the job is getting to hug the many children who walk through the ESP doors. For more information, visit www.espyouandme.org.
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