Posted by Lauren Grossberg on Wed, Feb 24, 2010
Aimee Mullins was born without shinbones and had to undergo years of therapy as a child in order to learn how to walk and use prosthetics.
In this speech, Aimee starts off by listing a definition of the word "disabled" from a thesaurus she had. The list includes all negative descriptions that can be related to the word according to the book. Even in an updated 2009 edition, the word still has many negative connotations.
She goes on to talk about how our language affects our thinking and how we view the world and other people.
Just by simply naming a person, for example "disabled," you can limit or expand the possibilities they will have in their lives.
She shares a personal story of a doctor who was so impressed with her dedication as a child in therapy that he told her she was a "strong" and "powerful" little girl.
Just by using those simple words, he turned therapy, a very unfavorable everyday occurrence, into something promising for her. This is a perfect example of how an adult in a position of power can ignite the power of a child.
Our language hasn't caught up with the changes in society. With new surgeries and technological advances and social networks and media, people are now able to self identify themselves.
The human ability to adapt is our greatest asset. Adversity is not an obstacle that we need to get around, it is part of our life. No one is normal even though we aim for this concept of normalcy.
One person can show you your own power and open a door for opportunity. This may be educating someone in the best sense, teaching them to open doors for themselves.
Aimee talks about how a crushed spirit is the only true disability. When one doesn't have natural child like capabilities to imagine, we lack new ways of being.
Aimee has established herself as an athlete, a model an actress and motivational speaker. She is a great example of overcoming adversity and special needs and turning it into power.