Separate is not equal for those with disabilities

A half-hearted thank you to the Gallery@Club ForgetMe-Not for assisting people with disabilities to share their artistic abilities with the larger community and to be in the valued role of an artist (Aug 4, “Gallery to Show Work by Artists With Disabilities”).

Whenever efforts are made to create “special” places or opportunities for people with disabilities, whether this be proms, apartment buildings, dances or galleries, we inadvertently promote segregation and grouping of people with disabilities. Such well-meaning efforts tend to reinforce ageold views that such separation is not only all right, but should be expected and even applauded.

I think it is long past due to assist people with disabilities to display their artwork in galleries where other citizens display their artistic work, as well as attend proms, live in apartments and attend schools, faith communities and work sites equally with other nondisabled people in their communities.

Separate is not equal and meaning well when it reinforces segregation, and “special” does not lead to societal change and only reinforces the past. I’d rather see such hard work to create such galleries be put forth to create integrative, individualized opportunities for people with disabilities, which might be harder to do. However, it might really change public attitudes and lead to meaningful relationships and friendships for many. Just another viewpoint to consider.

GUY CARUSO, Ph.D.

Baden, Pa.

The writer is the western coordinator for the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.