See Me, Hear Me, Touch Me!

Camilleri, Joseph M (1996): 'See me, hear me, touch me!'. Muscular Dystrophy Group Newsletter. Malta.

Some people may ask: "Do we need yet another magazine by another disability group? After all, isn't the Muscular Dystrophy Group already well-known and well respected throughout the Maltese Islands?" Yes, the Muscular Dystrophy Group needs no introduction. But we do need more disability-related magazines --- magazines which are exciting and relevant to our daily lives. Ok, I am a person with disability (as many of you know). So, what would I like see in your new magazine?

First of all I would like to see a magazine which makes us (persons with disability) feel good about ourselves. I would like to see a magazine which emphasises the value of our experiences, the value we all have as individuals. I would like to see a magazine which speaks with our voice: informal, noisy, down-to-earth and sometimes contradictory. I certainly wouldn't like to see yet another boring magazine which is nothing more than a notice-board of dull (MDG) statements.

I believe that any support group magazine should:

· inform

members and the general public not only about the group's activities, but also about specific matters, such as: how to manage one's disability, how to become an effective advocate, how to identify and learn about disability issues, how to help develop services which meet real needs, what assistive apparata are available (locally and abroad) and, yes, even to learn about medical and para-medical developments which may be useful in improving the quality of life of the readers.

· be a forum of debate

where members and non-members may exchange ideas (letters and articles) and tips for better living; where people can be given the opportunity to agree, but also, more importantly, where they disagree with some of the ideas put forward.

· offer personal, individual advice

some people with disability and some parents find it easier to write a letter asking for advice, rather than speaking to someone face to face.

· include examples of personal experiences

Persons with disability and their families have got valuable experience which deserve to be shared with a wide audience. When we share our unique experiences with non-disabled people, we are enriching our culture by giving a wider picture of contemporary life in these Islands. Don't underestimate our stories. People find them interesting. People want to hear them.

· provide some oulet for humour

the majority of persons with disability love life and attempt to enjoy life as fully as possible. Let's try to reflect our love of life through lively writing and by seeing the funny side of life as frequently as we can.

· be in Maltese (or at least be bi-lingual)

we should have as much pride in our national language as we have in ourselves as persons with disability. Let's put Maltese in the driver's seat, not in the boot! However, let's include material in English to reflect our bilingual culture. My next contribution to your magazine will certainly be in Maltese!

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate everyone in the Muscular Dystrophy Group who has helped in the production of this newsletter. Good luck on your new project! I'm already looking forward to reading the first issue!

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