The Disability Conversation | Ben Myers | TEDxOStateU

[@PinkHawk191]

I am tired of people being afraid to ask me questions about my disabilities. I am tired of being called an inspiration by people. Thank you for advocating for us.

[@carasachs4004]

Beautiful work Ben! I’m disabled, I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and some comorbidities (associated diagnoses). I’m a part time wheelchair user. And I’m a certified life coach who helps chronically ill and/or disabled folks reclaim their power and live a life they love. The taboo is very very real. I create every opportunity I can to smash that taboo. As far as the term “disabled”, I have no problem with it, in fact I’m a very proud disabled person. I’ve educated so many people about this, and even argued with my own life coach. He thought I was focusing on my limitations but that’s not it at all. It’s part of my identity. The medical model focuses on what’s wrong with a person. I find the Social Model of Disability to be much more accurate and helpful...that the thing that dis-ables (meaning, prevents me from functioning) me is how society is set up to exclude me. Ben, keep at it, you are a gifted speaker and educator. Great job!

[@BenDMyers]

"First!" on my own talk.

[@pianobooks42]

+Ben Myers This is exactly what the world needs. If enough of us disabled people speak up, people will start listening. Thank you!

[@BenDMyers]

+pianobooks42 Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@senor_troll1365]

+Ben Myers God bless you, Ben. You are truly a gift from God!

[@ebitney3]

Thank you for being brave to have this discussion. You rock dude! Changing vocabulary and the use of words matters and you addressed it clear and with options to change for the positive.

[@darthbriboy]

Ben Myers everything you said was 100% right. 🙂

[@beablenker7081]

Thank you for this, you made audible the feelings I hide.. I'm tired of being called an inspiration or people asking me if I'm "getting better" or that I am the lucky one compared to others such as my brother who have a more severe form of cerebral palsy.. I could feel the passion in this video bless your heart

[@BenDMyers]

Thank you so much, Lizzy!

[@haseozenithmaru1186]

Justin, great job.

[@mark91345]

we are a Xenophobic race: we fear that which is foreign to us". Very well said.

[@Mr_Banker222]

Very well said.

[@someguyuknow214]

I went to grade school with Ben. What a great dude. Keep crushing buddy!

[@lerangis]

I could listen to this guy talk for at least another hour. I can’t wait to follow him through his career.

[@eccentricman87]

Great talk! Being disabled myself I, perhaps controversially, don't have issue when terms are used that imply a struggle - because it is, I mean there are great things in my life but Cerebral Palsy isn't one of them. My issue is when people think they have to shut down said conversations for fear of 'offending'.

[@courtneyroskos1381]

Love the point you made regarding everyday slurs not the obvious "r" word but crazy, idiotic and such. This speech is so important and so is the continued positive disability discourse! Thank you for your continued advocacy.

[@zenfirebird5360]

Those kinda evolved when you think about except for the R one. At first insult toward a people with a disability but the usage word changed over time.

[@mariemachelle]

Yes, one I thought of was "deaf" or "blind" as an insult as well.

[@Cy_Cyborg]

I work on a disability awareness program for schools and businesses. all the employees have some kind of disability (currently all the workers are wheelchair users) and I can agree with what he says with people being afraid to talk to/about us. When we go to primary schools (kindergarten- year 6) The kids always want to ask questions, but if a kid asks something that seems obvious or weird, like "how do you sleep?" or "why can't wheelchair users get out and walk down the steps?" the teachers instantly shut them down and tell them to not ask silly questions. they HIRED us to come and answer these questions, it's our job but they're still terrified we'll get offended. I've been working on this job for 3 years and never been offended by a question and we try to make it as clear as possible to both teachers and students, that there are no silly questions, it's better to ask us now then to make assumptions or guess. then, not surprisingly, when we go to high schools (grade 7-12) or businesses, there's almost never any questions after our talk, and if there are, its almost always started with "do you mind if I ask.../ I hope this isn't offensive..."

[@samanthabarse4633]

Hi Cath, I am in college right now studying to become a social worker. Part of my homework has lead me to research a variety of perceptions of disabilities. One thing that I have found to be common is that people with disabilities are offended that the word disability is associated with said person. Will you please help me understand why it is that people with disabilities are offended by that word? I myself have been diagnosed with a disability, but I don't allow it to define me. So I am having a hard time understanding the offense. Thank you for your time!

[@kohakai5844]

One of the most passionate and focussed speakers I've seen to date. Would so love to have you speak here in New Zealand, Ben. You have a presence and a charisma in your presentation that I would love to be able to emulate.

[@BenDMyers]

+Janice Lee If you can arrange it and provide for transportation, I will absolutely go to New Zealand and speak!

[@helenabonhamcarter9615]

Amazing speech Ben. I have a neurological disability (Epilepsy) and it's horrible when I mention it to people and they don't feel confident enough to ask me how it feels, or what happens during seizures. They just say, "Oh I am so sorry, are you ok?" I hate it so much. I hate when they say I am strong and I can get over this and overcome it. The taboo is very real. Thank you so much Ben for advacating for us. :)

[@fireflies15]

I want to cry My girlfriend was born with a disability in her limbs, she has done countless surgeries, recently this topic has been opened between us and I have not been the best of support to her. She said I don't understand, Im just like anyone else, and it broke my heart. I never thought I took what she's been through any lightly, but somehow thats what shows, because I didn't know how to deal with it, and she has shut me off. Now Im struggling to open the conversation again and say the right things.. Its not easy for her, and it feels complicated to me Im scared of being a let down to her Im kind of already am She said that And Im so sad about it I never thought I'd be in this position, where Im not supporting someone who's dealt with disability, let alone that person being my partner Its so sad and heartbreaking even to her Im sorry I want this to be better I want to be so close to her so she can feel safe with me Knows someone is close enough to her to lean to Knows there's someone for her that understands

[@NickSquids]

Good onya mate; Particularly in 2020, you are a much needed inspiration for our future.

[@RichClashChair]

Disability advocacy is definitely important.

[@Speechangel]

+RichClashChair Vlogs Too right!

[@mariakerrigan6571]

I agree with you Ben. Lets break the silence about disability. I did not know a lot until I enrolled in a Cert. III - DisabilitySupport Worker. The whole population, not just for future support workers but also the whole population must be educated with Disability knowledge. Thank you for being an advocate.

[@dawi8929]

Great Speech! We also have to struggle with the same problems in Germany: that other people are afraid to ask questions and to be the "inspiration". Because of my wheelchair, I am at the same height as 4-5 year old children and that's where I start. If I see them looking curious, I roll over to them and just ask if there's anything they want to know. It usually only takes a moment before they dare to ask their questions. Very often the parents try to intervene out of insecurity and correct the children - unfortunately unsuccessfully ;)) We have to start taking away the fears of the next generation much earlier than we do in school or university, and that has to happen as early as kindergarten age. Children instinctively respond correctly. We must preserve that! With warm regards from Germany and many thanks!

[@melissashaw819]

Phisiodivergence seem like a powerful addition to our language. A much better replacement for slurs. Great idea Ben Myers!

[@rachelcox682]

I was really taken aback by the laughter from the audience at that suggestion. What was going on with that? I thought it was a great idea. I’m neurodivergent as someone with adhd and taking pride in difference begins with neutrality and it has to have something to do with not being laughed at too

[@BadWolfProduction100]

I seriously feel like I learned a lot watching this.

[@lorialdrich8307]

Thank you so much Ben! I am an aspiring inclusive teacher and I hope that I can help to foster these conversations and to grow the understanding of everyone about disabilities.

[@ferdinanfiv1804]

Wow I learned a lot from you Myers. Thankyou for advocating us. Anyway I am someone with Spina Bifida and I'm proud.

[@TheTRbandit]

He is a brilliant speaker. Loved it.

[@ericrobinson6567]

You're a good man and I appreciate your contribution to Tedx!

[@therileyfiles5025]

Hi @TEDx Talks In order to provide equal access, can you provide better captions on your videos (perhaps add some punctuation?) so the videos are more easily understood? Thanks!

[@sarahk4556]

need come to geneses country,Michigan. teach people about disability. we have no resources.

[@betty.fotofili]

So true! We need to work together to change the negative perspective to disability. Great talk!

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Excellent speech.you hit the proverbial nail on the head

[@anajapara]

I couldn't love this kid any more

[@BenDMyers]

+Ana Japaridze Thank you so much!

[@anajapara]

+Ben Myers I'm a 18 year old girl from a tiny country - Georgia and well, I am in awe and I'm just so happy you exist seriously. Favorite Ted Talk undoubtedly.

[@BenDMyers]

That means so much to me! Stay awesome!

[@madisonbailey2686]

Absolutely brilliant boy, very well spoken.

[@statsexpert]

These are amazing ideas and a very helpful way to think about disability!

[@YaoiNoTenshi]

Please CC this video.

[@soilofk]

Just click on CC on the video

[@pf0013]

I feel that people with disabilities are treated less than 2nd class citizens, the majority of disabled people I know are unemployed, and organisations that represent them don't do anything to help them

[@kerryclark4516]

Yes and you have advocacy organization such as the national Federation of line that states the Blindness isn’t what hold you back, yet there are still many barriers for a blind person they still can’t drive and a lot of jobs still cannot be completed without eyesight.

[@sierraz9738]

+Ben Myers I have moebius syndrome too! This was truly inspirational and amazing!

[@sockies1]

Great talk Ben. Thanks for teaching us!

[@BenDMyers]

sockies1 You're so welcome!

[@rustierothstein1914]

Awesome talk! You are a great speaker.

[@TrostCodes]

Really wonderful talk, Ben.

[@Dinomatrix21]

Serious question (Even though this video is 7 years old): Does #2 apply to Toph from Avatar: The Last Airbender? She was born blind but sees through a sort of seismic sense (sensing vibration in the ground). This isn't something she was born with instead, it's something she learned, and even still, it doesn't completely erase her blindness: she can't read, can't see on ice or wood platforms, her vision is severely distorted in sand and can't see in the air, which is the group's main way of travel. The ability is minimized in certain aspects, but is still present. However, Toph can be entirely self sufficient. While her friends often forget she's blind because of her fighting prowess and tough attitude, her parents coddle and baby her, which is what causes her to leave in the first place. It doesn't match one to one with how Ben describes it, and the seismic sense doesn't erase her blindness, it just gives her a different way to interact with the world.

[@katedevilliers1233]

Thank you, Ben.

[@Eng_Simoes]

Kid is brilliant.

[@Ralphduquette]

Hy Ben, saw your speech today. Very good job.

[@AccessAdvisr]

Great talk, well done

[@mikelosier5214]

Well said young Man!

[@melindamarshall620]

❤

[@whoamireally1625]

I don't have a physical disability but I have autism

[@Kelly-fv8ly]

Where are the captions? Strange that a video about disAbility is not accessible to the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

[@kjohnson4013]

+Kelly Wise Click on the CC at the bottom of the video next to the setting gear.

[@JoanneMJohnson123]

+K Johnson Erm, the auto-captions are not accurate. If there were a way to edit the captions, I'd be willing. I don't see the option here, though. Gotta beware those auto-captions! Great video, by the way!

[@leoalmeida4244]

AWESOME!!!

[@anarkazimov4206]

Hey Ben, this was an amazing Ted Talk. Well done, I would try to avoid such words as insane and crazy ;). I would like to ask you some questions about how you use certain technologies. For example, computers, remotes and telephones. Is it a bit uncomfortable for you? Do you think there is a way computer manufactures can adapt technologies for people with disabilities?

[@BenDMyers]

Hi, Anar! Great questions! Most computers and remotes I can use just fine! When using the phone, I have to use speakerphone. I have several pieces of advice to give to computer manufacturers and really makers of anything. First, accessibility hurts no one and can potentially help everyone. Second, accessibility is an attitude. Always be mindful of how you can make your products more accessible, rather than just doing the bare minimum. Third, it's entirely possible that nondisabled computer manufacturers won't be able to think of everything disabled users might need. I'M disabled and I can't think of anything off the top of my head. As such, it's important to include disabled people in the process as early as possible. Find out what they need. Never let accessibility become an afterthought.

[@anarkazimov4206]

Hi again Ben, yes I totally agree that non-disabled computer manufacturers can't think about everything that disabled people may need. And that't natural because this stuff is not directly related to their core aims but instead of blaming them I believe that we should discuss the need in a giant IT company that would mainly focus on people with health issues. What do you think about it?

[@BenDMyers]

You're right, blame isn't helpful. I do disagree with your idea that we should have one giant IT company working for accommodation and accessibility -- as generally happens with companies who provide accessibility tools, they often become a monopoly, which heightens the cost of disabled living and reinforces the idea that disability is a niche that's not worthwhile to invest in. Instead, we should move to make accessibility an aim for all IT companies. At very least, we should encourage bigger companies to strive for accessibility, because that might encourage smaller companies to strive for accessibility as well.

[@johnmoore2667]

You Go Ben😎!

[@corrie9762]

I don't understand how stupid, crazy, or idiotic has anything to do with disabilities.

[@pouringblood]

I was thinking the same thing. He had a good thing going with wanting to be treated just like anyone else; but then he turned around and wanted to dictate how other people converse in private.

[@haseozenithmaru1186]

Invisible conditions Multiple sclerosis

[@emmajones1065]

Jehovah God promise that there will be no more pain or suffering read this in your bible at Revelation 21:4 for more information visit our website at @t and type in the search box the word suffering.