Devalued individuals, groups, and classes are far more likely than other members of society to be treated badly, and to be subjected to a systematic -- and possibly life-long -- pattern of such negative experiences as the following:
1. Being perceived and interpreted as "deviant", due to their negatively-valued differentness. The latter could consist of physical or functional impairments, low competence, a particular ethnic identity, certain behaviors or associations, skin color, and many others.
2. Being rejected by community, society, and even family and services.
3. Being cast into negative social roles, some of which can be severely negative, such as "subhuman", "menace", and "burden to society".
4. Being put and kept at a social or physical distance, the latter most commonly by segregation.
5. Having negative images (including language) attached to them.
6. Being the object of abuse, violence, and brutalization, and even being made dead.
I am not positively valued in society because of my developmental disabilities. Creating valued roles for me will help in protecting me from the above mentioned bad things. It will also provide the experiences for me to acquire new skills and competency.
It is important to keep in mind that it is so easy to focus on my deficits that my capacities and strengths are overlooked. Low expectations from others deny me not only of opportunities to learn and grow, but also of the possibility of living a full meaningful life. I have the capacity to learn and to contribute to my community.
I am going to have a new role at church - I will be the greeter and hand out bulletins at Sunday service. I am looking forward to the direct interactions with others, especially my peers.
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