"The Beat Goes On"

Handicap is a word that has contrasting meanings. In sports, the word Handicap means, in a competition or advantages are given to the various contestants, to equalize there changes. When you're referring to a person who is Handicapped, the dictionary states, a Handicapped person are those who are physically disabled, or mentally retarded.

In the Seventies, I heard a Comedianne say that she was tired of being referred to as Handicapped, she prefered being called Handicapable. The later, is a term I believe refects a more positive connotation, and is much closer to what Handicapped people are.

As I recall to your memory, the percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who just happens to be Deaf. Evelyn makes her own kind of music, with Xylophone, Marimpa, Kettle Drums, and Cymbals. She is both a success, and in great demand as a musician.

I was watching TV last Thursday, the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." One of the questions, the host Regis asked was, "What was the name of the Drummer in the band, Def Leppard, who lost his left arm in a 1984 car accident?" The drummer was Rick Allen, he's still part of the band, he now, uses alot of foot pedals, confessing he's able to play better now, then alot of two armed drummers.

On the subject of beat, I have noticed, since I"ve become Hearing Impaired my own beat has changed. I read that a persons balance is affected by the change in your hearing. It has to do with, what is referred to as the middle ear.

At first, I was puzzled, when such a simple thing as the act of clapping your hands to the beat and time of the music became a task. To keep up the beat with everyone else seemed impossible, now, since my hearing loss, I have to concentrate on the rhythm of the music, by watching how others around me are clapping. The difficult part is trying not to make it seem as obvious to those around me as it is to me.

One of the most important things to NOT DO, (for someone who has a disability) is to beat yourself up over your condition. Although, you may feel you're alone, infact, the truth be known, there are many others, asking themselves the same questions as you. I myself have been a part of two such groups on the net. They offer both support and guidance, especially when you're experiencing isolation.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic