H. Stephen Bralley, M.Ed.

Director of Secondary Education, North American Division

t is becoming harder to discover sincere displays of empathy, love, and compassion in  society today. This is hardly surprising, considering Jesus told us in Matthew 24:12 that the defining characteristic of the end times is coldness. Jesus' followers were supposed to be unique individuals who yet possessed empathy, love, and compassion for one another and the wider community.

Surrounding ourselves with people who have disabilities is one method that we might bolster these qualities. Seeing their sufferings enables us to develop empathy and compassion. Furthermore, when we show empathy and compassion to people with disabilities, we get it back, which strengthens our ability to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments. This cultivates humility, which keeps all of us rooted. The more we accept individuals for who they are, the more we realize how similar we really are! As a result, this enhances our mental health by encouraging self-acceptance and self-compassion.

The inclusion of individuals with disabilities in our educational system opens up new vistas and brings in fresh talent that enhances the learning community. Promoting diversity in this way has the important benefit of avoiding the detrimental effects of bias, stereotyping, and discrimination. Both as a society and as individuals, we grow more accepting.

People with disabilities are the driving forces behind many modern innovations and are employed by some of the most significant corporations.  Because of their distinct viewpoints and qualities, they have been able to develop into innovative creatives who are prepared to face hardship head-on.