Entry tags:
Being Exceptional
Hi! I've been asked to write about exceptionality. Specifically, my own exceptionality or why I feel that I am exceptional. I feel that I am exceptional because I have used inclusive technology in one form or another for a number of years. Since I have used it for so long, I know how it works. At the very least I know how certain inclusive technology works; only the stuff I have used. I don't even pretend to know everything there is to know about inclusive technology, because I am only one person and there are things that I have not used. I learned Braille grades 1 and 2 as a child, and am now fluent in them. I do not know grade 3 braille, or the new form called the Unified English Braille Code. But besides that, I have used screen readers with speech output. It is possible to use a screen reader with Braille, but I've yet to do that. I might never do that though, given the high and prohibitive cost of Braille displays these days.
But I'm not the only one who says that I am exceptional. Other people have said this too, and they've also told me that I am an asset to their class or whatever. This means a lot to me. I do not and have not let it dictate who I am though. After all, I cannot let this get to my head too much. I know that some in the disability community consider that sentiment not to be true, however. Some consider it an insult when they're told they are assets.
But I'm not the only one who says that I am exceptional. Other people have said this too, and they've also told me that I am an asset to their class or whatever. This means a lot to me. I do not and have not let it dictate who I am though. After all, I cannot let this get to my head too much. I know that some in the disability community consider that sentiment not to be true, however. Some consider it an insult when they're told they are assets.