Acceptance Vs. Awareness

Acceptance and Awareness are often looked at as the same thing, but the reality is that they are very different items when looked at as a whole. There are many awareness months and events which aim for individuals to take notice to what is going on around us and the hopes to find a cure or a solution to the problem depending on the thing we are bringing awareness to. This is a very noble act and and a vital step to start moving forward on a topic. Awareness is the first step to the path of acceptance, which is a much deeper topic and where we really start to dig deep as individuals to obtain the understanding and compassion which is needed to include and respect the individuals that are being affected. Without acceptance we will never be able to recognize how to truly move forward and genuinely assist beyond ourselves. Acceptance is where all the solutions and problem solving is done. Acceptance is where we show that we genuinely care what is going on around us and we are driven to help make a difference whether it affects us directly or not. Below I will add on some more examples of what Acceptance and what Awareness is. In the near future we will be posting videos lead by Sydni Engle, an amazing individual who is on the spectrum herself, to help enlighten us of the perspectives of her opinion on the topic.

Awareness is knowing that you have a classmate with a disability.

Acceptance is inviting him or her to hang out with you.

Awareness is simply realizing that someone has a challenge.

Acceptance is engaging in a real conversation with them.

Awareness is seeing someone with a disability do something you maybe didn’t expect.

Acceptance is telling them they are awesome, cheering them on or working together with them.

Awareness is saying you have a friend with a disability.

Acceptance is truly being a good friend to them.

Awareness is appreciating the gifts and challenges of those with different abilities.

Acceptance is volunteering your time to help.

Awareness is agreeing with these statements.

Acceptance is sharing them.

Awareness does not imply doing anything different.

Acceptance is taking action.

While it is good to be aware, we must strive to accept and empower children and adults of all abilities. Everyone has strengths and challenges, and gifts to share.

How do you practice acceptance in your daily life?