Reflection
An observation of disability outside of academia
Viktoria Geldner
Eavesdropping can lead to interesting insights.
On my way to the supermarket, I come by a group of elderly men. They are walking fast in my direction. Just as our paths cross, I hear one of them say: “Being disabled would be the absolute worst for me.” The others mutter in agreement.
I’m thinking: What does disability mean for these men? What picture do they have in mind?
My grandfather, who is an elderly man, holds a disability certificate. He cannot see well. He prepares breakfast, uses an electronic magnifying glass to read the newspaper, passionately listens to audiobooks, rides his bike, goes for walks, and feeds the cat. I’m sure that, to him, there are much worse things than being disabled.