Concerning the subject of persons with Disabilities participating in the process, and a sister With a disability, I feel:
To include me is to empower me
To exclude me is to devour me, allowing evil
Thoughts of my violation to overpower me- like a Broken winged dove, I can not fly- refreshed only by th Silent tears I cry.
Do no turn a deaf ear, but please do hear and believe the Testimony I give. I will not die, but live- survive
Eventually, thrive and fly.
Allow me full inclusion, and be
Not disillusioned. I am a credible person
With physical limitations. Train me as
A rape victim advocate and I
WIll be a force to be reckoned with.
Allow me in the courtroom with DNA evidence.
He did not have consent- and so the full intent of
His actions were not clearly understood by her.
Give me the knowledge of how to put him away-
And make today- his last day of freedom.
Do not turn a blinded eye to me.
Open your eyes, and clearly see, my abilities.
Just how needed, I would be, for the survivor
Who has a disability.
Liability or asset- which one
Shall I be?
However, another question arises.
Do I stand alone?
How many others will there be?
To stand up with me, to ensure the next
Generation is sexually violent free?
Do you hear my passionate plea?
Full inclusion is a hard fought for
Victory.
Victory is assured by the number of
People with disabilities trained to work side by side with me.
Author: C. Saunders copyright 2012
posted by Jae Jin Pak with the kind permission of the author.
