Giftedness vs Disability – Judith Snow

This thought-provoking reflection by Judith Snow challenges societal perceptions of disability and redefines it as “giftedness.” ​ Judith shares her personal journey, highlighting how being labeled “disabled” at seven months old shifted her life from being a valued member of the public to a “problem” society sought to fix. ​ She contrasts this with how society celebrates and invests in the talents of athletes like Olympic divers, emphasizing that people with disabilities deserve the same level of support and recognition. ​

Judith argues that labeling individuals as “problems” creates a billion-dollar industry focused on “fixing” the unfixable, leading to wasted potential, burnout among helpers, and the exclusion of valuable contributions from the community. ​ Instead, she advocates for a shift in perspective—seeing people with disabilities as gifted individuals with unique talents and opportunities to enrich society. ​

This inspiring piece invites readers to rethink societal norms, embrace inclusivity, and recognize the inherent value in every individual. ​ It’s a call to action to replace the concept of disability with giftedness and foster a community that supports and celebrates everyone’s contributions. ​