The film The Butterfly Circus provides a profound lens to examine society’s perception of disability. Historical Perspectives Throughout history, individuals with disabilities have faced marginalization, stigmatization, and exclusion. In many communities, they were shunned and viewed through a lens of pity or seen as burdens. In some cultures, disabilities were even misconstrued as curses or… Continue reading The Butterfly Circus: Rethinking Disability and Inclusion
Let us take a quick walk down memory lane, recalling Will’s remarkable journey of transformation to arrive at this stage of seeing past his limitations and disability. At the film’s outset, Will is imprisoned by his physical disability, mental blocks, and emotional wounds. He is exploited by a heartless carnival owner who made money off… Continue reading Human Beings – Thriving
“If only I had longer legs to do the jumps, I would have made the cheer team.” “If only the coach could see how hard I tried, he would have picked me.” “If only John gave me that promotion, I could have taken the cruise.” How many of us have had similar laments, “If only?”… Continue reading Human Beings – Developing in Community
An Example from “The Butterfly Circus” God has given us a second chance, but not everyone recognizes or accepts it. ******* In the previous blog, we looked at how people are curious about others who are different. On the other hand, many would rather stay within their own comfortable setting than reach out. What’s worse,… Continue reading Human Beings – Accepting Acceptance
Examining “The Butterfly Circus” Have you ever wanted a different body or considered changing your appearance? Have you ever dreamed about being someone other than yourself? ******* In the last blog post, we had a bird's-eye view of the plot of the short film “The Butterfly Circus.” In the following four blog posts, we will… Continue reading Human Beings – A Side Show?
Human beings and butterflies share some striking similarities: Vulnerability: Both humans and butterflies are part of the created world, depending on the elements outside themselves to survive, develop, and thrive. Adaptability: Both humans and butterflies demonstrate the ability to adjust to new conditions or changing environments. Diversity: Both humans and butterflies exhibit an incredible spectrum… Continue reading Humans and Butterflies
A Reflection on Mark 10:46–52[i] Do you often make assumptions based on common knowledge or your own experience? Do you project your own feelings or attitudes onto others because of preconceived notions? We all do. Unfortunately, our preconceptions may be biased, our experiences are usually narrow, and there are always exceptions to what is “common.”… Continue reading What Do You Want Me to Do for You?
By Martin Block Let’s be honest: for all its talk about inclusion, the business world still has some serious blind spots. Especially when it comes to young adults with disabilities trying to carve out a space for themselves. Sure, things are better than they were ten or twenty years ago, but “better” doesn’t mean easy—and… Continue reading The Hustle with Heart: Navigating the Business World as a Young Adult with a Disability
By Martin Block The digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, making it an appealing choice for individuals with disabilities. It’s more than just remote work—designing a life that aligns with your goals and needs. With technological advancements and increasing accessibility, traditional barriers are falling away, opening up new paths for career growth, community… Continue reading Redefining Freedom: Living the Digital Nomad Life with Disabilities
Parents want to see their kids enjoy going to school, learning, and making friends. When a child experiences difficulty in learning, parents may think the child just has a slow start but will catch up later. They may even push the child harder, assuming the child does not work hard enough. Sometimes, it is true… Continue reading Learning Disabilities and Disorders
