Diversity is the key to our survival: The Shoeness of a Shoe | Elly Chapple | TEDxNorwichED

Summary

This emotional and powerful story reflects on the journey of a mother and her daughter, Ella, who lost her sight at a young age. Ella's struggles, from self-harm to the lack of understanding from those around her, lead her mother to challenge societal views on disability and labels. The narrative emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond labels, listening to the individual, and fostering connection, compassion, and inclusivity. The speaker urges a shift in perspective to ensure everyone is seen and valued, calling for a movement that embraces human diversity and equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ella's story is one of resilience and overcoming significant challenges, not just for her but for countless other families worldwide.
• 😀 Labels imposed on children like Ella often overshadow their true potential and individuality, reducing them to 'problems to fix.'
• 😀 Despite serious health battles, Ella demonstrated immense spirit, singing and exploring her world in her own way.
• 😀 Traditional educational and medical systems failed to truly see Ella as a person, focusing on her limitations rather than her capabilities.
• 😀 At the age of seven, Ella started self-harming, a sign of her deep emotional distress and need for help that was ignored by those around her.
• 😀 The turning point came when Ella lost her sight due to a head injury, but her positive outlook showed that she wasn't grieving her lost dreams—she was simply adapting to her new reality.
• 😀 The family chose to listen to Ella’s way of learning and observing her behavior rather than forcing traditional methods upon her.
• 😀 After nine months of observing Ella's behavior and her journey of learning through play, she demonstrated that she could achieve great things on her own terms.
• 😀 The key to Ella’s success was removing the stress of being labeled and treated as different, focusing on her as an individual with potential.
• 😀 The narrative around people with disabilities needs to shift from exclusion and pity to inclusion and understanding. Everyone deserves a place in society, not just the 'able-bodied.'
• 😀 A call to action: society needs to reboot its thinking, stop tolerating inequality, and embrace diversity and inclusion for a better future.

Q & A

What was the pivotal moment that changed the narrator's perspective on their daughter's condition?

The pivotal moment came when the narrator's daughter, Ella, lost her eyesight after a head injury, which shifted the narrator's focus from anger and grief to hope and understanding of her potential.

What did the narrator observe about Ella's behavior after the injury?

After the injury, Ella stopped singing, became fearful of certain activities, and began self-harming. This behavior signaled to the narrator that Ella was in crisis and unable to express her distress verbally.

How did the educational system initially perceive Ella?

The educational system initially focused on Ella's labels and viewed her as a collection of problems to fix, rather than recognizing her as a whole person with potential.

What was the turning point in Ella's learning process?

The turning point occurred when Ella demonstrated her own learning style by repeatedly sorting through a crate of items. Eventually, she indicated that she had learned everything she needed, showing that she could learn in her own way when given the opportunity.

How did the narrator change their approach to Ella's education?

The narrator decided to stop trying to force Ella to learn in ways that didn't work for her. Instead, they chose to observe her, listen to her, and support her in learning at her own pace and through her own methods.

What was the message the narrator conveyed about society's view of people with disabilities?

The narrator emphasized that society often looks at people with disabilities through a narrow and incorrect lens, reducing them to labels and problems. The narrator argued that everyone deserves connection, compassion, and a chance to contribute to society.

How did Ella’s blindness affect her relationship with her family?

Despite her blindness, Ella's relationship with her family grew stronger. Her resilience and ability to adapt inspired hope and a renewed sense of connection within the family.

What broader societal issue does the narrator highlight?

The narrator points out the societal issue of marginalizing and excluding people with disabilities, arguing that these individuals have valuable perspectives and contributions that are often overlooked.

What lesson did the narrator learn from their experience with Ella?

The narrator learned that by removing the stress and negative assumptions, and by truly listening to Ella, they could help her thrive. This reinforced the importance of treating everyone as individuals with unique strengths and capabilities.

What does the narrator hope for Ella's future?

The narrator hopes that Ella will continue to live a full and independent life, with her potential being realized. Ella's announcement about looking forward to getting married exemplifies her growing confidence and aspirations.