Learning from those with intellectual disabilities

Bonny Woodman a remarkable lady who transformed many through her work with people with intellectual disabilities commented on my previous post. She reminds me of the openness of the heart which people with intellectual disabilities have. The yawning to welcome everyone in their space and genuinely share their gifts. Through Bonny's efforts, Zimbabwe has shared her gifts of sports talented people with mental retardation with the world. Special Olympics Zimbabwe sent representatives to almost all International Special Olympics Events even when times were hard in Zimbabwe. But the greatest lesson we learn particularly in relation to the recent developments in South Africa, is the need to borrow a page from people with intellectual disabilities. Jean Vanier recognizes that they are not disabled but have a special gift to mankind which we can all tap into and learn to be human. Perhaps what we call disability is in a profound way, a disposition towards openness of the heart which the world needs today.  

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