People First: Self Defense

Self Defense

IDSA The International Disabled Self-Defense Association, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 by Master Instructor Jurgen Schmidt in response to an alarming increase in crimes perpetrated against individuals with disabilities, unfortunately considered as “helpless and easy targets”.

Why I chose to shatter the icon...

I think, while well intended, the current disability signage contributes to the misconception that society has about people who have disabilities.

The icon is the epitome of the "handicapped individual" in society's eyes. They see someone sitting idly in a wheelchair while life passes them by. They don't see a skier, a marathon runner, a rock climber, a doctor, a basketball player. They don't see a man in love with his girl who he pulls into his lap and whisks around the dance floor, they don't see a father or mother parenting their child. They envision that poor, vulnerable, dependent soul confined to a wheelchair who should be pitied for their lot in life.

I find it refreshing that many areas are adopting a new more active version of the accessible symbol and I love seeing artist's renderings of the symbol where the figure is doing something he loves... dancing, playing a sport, with flames coming off his wheels.

I think it's important to remember that the presence of a disability doesn't remove the desire nor the drive to live life to its fullest.

Self Defense

No comments:

Post a Comment

Wheelchair Lovers

Dapper Dan and Dressy Bessy