The Independence Myth: People With Disabilities Are Interdependent Too | Denise Lance | TEDxKC

Should you catch a door for someone in a wheelchair? Help a person with a disability retrieve something out of reach? In this talk, disability rights activist Denise Lance offers some touching advice.


Denise Lance retired from disability research two years ago to focus on living as independently as she could with cerebral palsy. While still a disability rights advocate, she now focuses on writing and artistic endeavors, including folding origami with her feet. Denise questions society's emphasis on independence, especially for those with disabilities, in light of the interdependence of all humans on one another.

[lisaebrom]

I met this amazing girl when she was the flower girl who at my wedding to her brother. What she left out in working on her degrees she toe typed all her work including her thesis. Toe typed. I can't hardly type. This women is fearless. And yes I saw people when she was a young teenager look at her. But she kept her head held high. She loves music and has a wonderful sense of humor. She may not be able to tie her shoes but she can do things most people cant. You are my hero niece. Love you Lisa.

[ToeIn]

As a disabled person I often feel pressured to "Be more independent" by other disabled people who feel they themselves are not independent enough. Thank you!

[jumanahsalama]

This video needs more views. I've always felt like asking people with special needs if they needed help would sound offensive because they wouldn't like to feel helpless, but maybe next time I'll try ❤

[ACE-zost]

Thank you, Denise, Dr. Lance. Thank you for helping me understand that I will not be embarrassing you and others if I ask if you would like help getting something or doing something. In trying not to do that in the past, I've made person's day harder and also missed out on connection with another human being. Far too much disconnection in this world already. Connection and peanut butter do sometimes go together. I was thinking of the Barbra Streisand song "People" early on in your talk. Thank you so much, Dr. Lance. V.

[allisonburnett]

I am so impressed by your accomplishments. I just got my Master's Degree in social work and can't imagine going back to get my Doctorate, let alone several other Bachelor's degrees. You are a talented public speaker and I deeply resonate with your ideas about interdependence. Many scientists believe that mutualism/ symbiosis drives evolution not the concept of only the strong survive and survival of the fittest (individualism). In other words, mutualistic, synergistic, and symbiotic relationships are the most effective forms of strength. So grateful I got to see your Ted Talk💛

[WDBsirLocksight]

Lisa's presentation is a compelling point of contemplation.

I've been forced fed this "independent line". We enter into interdependent relationships are whole life. I talk for some of the ppl with invisible disabilities. Most do want to work and drive.
But if you have gone to do transit training and medical/sensory stuff continues to interrupt or need some time after a mental breakdown not to be forced into employment first rehab, then for a time period one will have to be interdependent and rely on disability transport.

I say interdependent as dependency or dependant personality disorder spectrum probably doesn't even exist like most mental disorders and if it wasn't for the the wrong attitude by society and for the proper environment.

If somebody needs disability transport to continue to be an entrepreneur; use assistive technology where the receiving person may need to wait with a slight delay; use a stuffy cuz they just were discharged and there a sensitive soul; or some modifications in sensory or activity occupation from the organization.

These examples help understand - along with friendship, marriage and informal/formal education - ways in which we are interdependent.

One act that almost had me break down after downloading my complex challenges in hushed tones as I was in a library was a simple action by somebody else to retrieve headphones from the library main desk (this was before my acquisition of phones, headphones and speakers I have now).

Just ask. The person will respond. And if they don't ask them if it's okay to sit with them for a few minutes if you have that till they can speak. Perhaps ask if they have a support person nearby if they are non-verbal. Some ASD people have a texting program or hardware communication device.

If they say no then you give ur salutation.

[hartzaire]

I have cerebral palsy and I plan on getting three college degrees I am currently almost done completing my first bachelors degree. This video was very interesting

[coachlfoxx]

I know what you mean about the grocery stores and grocery on the top shelf.

[whiterosemotors]

This is why capitalism is so important. It helps allow people like her to live a more normal life than she could otherwise.