Special Needs People: Angels or Human Beings of Great Virtue?

The question of whether special needs individuals are truly 'angels in disguise' has long been a subject of deep reflection and debate. While some view them as celestial beings of superior virtue, others see them as individuals with unique challenges and remarkable strengths. This article seeks to explore this question through the lens of personal experience and broader philosophical inquiry.

Personal Experiences and Observations

My daughter, like many individuals with special needs, faces significant learning difficulties and associated disabilities. Despite these challenges, she has grown to be a kind, caring, and loving individual. True, she may not possess conventional academic or professional skills, but she more than makes up for it with her innate ability to connect with others and provide immense support. She is not an angel, but a shining example of human virtue.

Remember when my daughter was 15 and underwent a major back operation? The nurses in the hospital were astounded by her care and compassion towards her fellow patients. One nurse expressed to me her regret over my daughter's learning difficulties, calling her one of the most naturally caring individuals she had ever met. This was a profound moment, not just for the recognition of her kindness, but also for the affirmation that this was a gift she had, a unique trait that differentiated her from others.

Debating the Concept of Special Needs

Let's delve into the concept of special needs from a philosophical and moral standpoint. If we assume, for argument's sake, that the world is a deified universe, then the traditional belief is that such individuals are created merely as objects of moral instruction, to help others learn and grow. However, this raises several questions.

Are Special Needs People Created Solely for Moral Instruction?

Does it align with our personal experiences and the reality of human interaction to believe that one must rely on a deity to guide our ethical behavior? Do we not possess the capacity to understand and connect with others, to empathize and show compassion, without needing a spiritual being to intervene? Many would argue that the very nature of human relationships and the concept of empathy are inherent qualities, not divine gifts.

Morality and Human Connections

Consider the source of morality. Is it truly dependent on a deity, or do we have the capacity to form genuine connections that inspire and sustain ethical behavior? Every day, people like my daughter, those with special needs, and those without, engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy. These actions are not mere tools of moral instruction; they are the essence of human virtue. They are the force that keeps morality alive and relevant in the world.

The Nature of Humans and Special Needs People

Finally, we must acknowledge that everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual capacity, is human. Every human deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Special needs individuals are not otherworldly angels, nor are they reduced to objects of moral instruction. They are simply individuals with unique challenges and strengths who enrich our lives through their presence and actions.

As an individual with paraplegia, and as an atheist, these reflections are grounded in personal experience. They are informed not by religious doctrine, but by human empathy and the belief in the inherent goodness of each individual. We should be more concerned with the kind of morality we teach, especially when it comes to valuing every human life, rather than elevating some individuals to a heavenly status and others to the status of simple tools for moral instruction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, special needs individuals are not angels in disguise. They are human beings of great virtue, capable of profound kindness and compassion. Our society should focus on embracing and supporting these individuals, recognizing their value and potential. The true measure of morality lies in valuing and caring for all humans, not in the creation of divine lessons.