Yesterday we visited Trinity College Dublin and attended a lecture about the definitions and history of intellectual disabilities and how Trinity College works to accommodate students with intellectual disabilities. Something that particularly stood out to me was the names that were used to label people with IDs. These included “idiot”, “cretin”, and “moron”. What I found most fascinating was the contrast in the meanings of these words and how they’ve changed over time through the way people have used them. Although “cretin” originally came from a time when parents of people with IDs were seen as lucky to have been blessed with them, it has become a term that is used to demean these people. When I was younger I remember the words “idiot” and “moron” being thrown around often with little thought. Yesterday’s lecture reminded me that it is important to remember what contexts these words are being used in and the hurtful histories behind them.

Something I noticed about the architecture in Ireland throughout my time here so far is that many doors are automatic. In the United States I feel that most buildings make an effort to be accessible by having a button you can press in order to open a door; however, here in Ireland many of them can be opened just by walking close to them. I think that this is a great alternative because I remember seeing people in wheelchairs struggling to reach the button then having to back up and get around the opening door in order to get through. In just a few days in Ireland I’ve noticed that not only do they seem very progressive when it comes to being consciously inclusive and accessible (at least in the city), but there are also things that the United States can learn from.