Lately I have had the most interesting conversations surrounding the title of my upcoming feature film, Curveball. The film shows my oldest blind son, Michael, playing on a sighted baseball team and helping that team go from the “Bad News Bears” to winning the championship, with lots of barriers and funny moments along the way.
Of course “Curveball” seems an appropriate title, right? “Life throws curveballs” is something we hear a lot. Here’s the thing: Blindness was a curveball for me, but not for my sons that were born blind.
Read that again.
Curveball Conundrum
It is really eye opening to see that what one person considers a curveball for all, is really only a curveball for them.
Think about it – how many times are we assuming someone’s life is challenging or “less than” because they have something going on that we would consider a challenge. But likely, if you ask that person, it isn’t a challenge at all, at least not as we perceive it to be.
The Disconnect
I believe that is the big disconnect between the disability community and the general population. People living without disabilities tend to think someone with a disability is living in challenge and hardship. Meanwhile, people with disabilities are swinging for the fences and hitting homeruns all over the place!
Perception is an incredible thing. Keep that in mind as you go through your day and make assumptions.
Watch this clip of my recent interview with the extraordinary Marcia O’Connor of The O’Connor Group where I talk about this concept of who blindness is really a curveball for. If you want to know more about the film and my journey and lessons learned as an unlikely entrprenuer, watch the entire interview!
To learn more about my feature film and ways to support it, got to www.KristinSmedley.com/film
Discover the power of embracing ability and advantage in disability through Kristin Smedley’s transformative books, impactful speaking engagements, enlightening workshops, and thought-provoking films. Dive into her best-selling book “Thriving Blind” on Amazon, and elevate your next event by booking Kristin at kristinsmedley.com to ignite conversations that foster inclusivity and empowerment.
