Last week we had the opportunity to host Sonia Guirado, a member of the Eurofirms Foundation and a renowned Paralympic medalist of the Barcelona '92 and Atlanta '96 Games. During her talk, Sonia tackled one of the most significant challenges we face as a society: the prejudices towards people with disabilities.
Could the word “normality” be dangerous? The answer is YES. Sonia reminded us that the concept of “normality” can be exclusive, limiting our ability to see and value people’s potential. By defining what is “normal,” we often reinforce biases and barriers that prevent people with disabilities from showcasing their full capabilities.
Sonia shared her personal story, explaining how, throughout her life and career she had to overcome different obstacles. Rather than focusing on what she lacks, she learned to leverage her strengths, such as resilience, effort, and empathy. However, she is aware that prejudices still influence our thoughts and actions, often unintentionally but with real consequences.
Some of the key points Sonia highlighted include:
- Biases and prejudices: We often assume that people with disabilities have more limitations than they actually do. It’s essential to remember that we all face limitations in some way.
- Humor as a tool: Sonia emphasized the importance of addressing disabilities with humor and simplicity.
- Resilience and effort: People with disabilities develop valuable qualities like resilience and effort, which often go unrecognized by society, which tends to focus more on what is missing than on what can be contributed.
- Barriers to entry: People with disabilities continue to face many “no’s” in their daily lives, but having clear goals and enjoying the journey is essential to keep moving forward.
Sonia reminded us that although we have made significant progress in terms of inclusion, there is still a long road ahead. We need to eliminate the concept of “normal” and embrace persity, not just as a goal, but as a source of enrichment for everyone.
We want to thank Sonia Guirado for sharing her experience and inspiring us to continue working towards building a more inclusive society, where each person is valued for what they can contribute and not for what they lack.
