By Spinners Craze Reveals About Disability Discrimination
What the fidget spinners faddish craze reveals about disability discrimination. These inexpensive and fun toys are now a mainstream item and are causing disability discrimination to fall by the wayside. As with many trends, however, there are a few problems with this fad. One of them is that it demonstrates how difficult it can be to find inclusive work environments, particularly for those with disabilities.
First of all, fidget spinners have been widely touted as a way to reduce stress and improve concentration. However, the neurotypical majority often tells people with disabilities not to fidget and other forms of behaviour are considered abnormal. This reflects how social conventions about what constitutes normal behaviour often work against the needs of disabled individuals. Similarly, the fidget spinner fad has highlighted a lack of accessibility.
While fidget spinners are marketed as a distraction and attention-enhancing tool, they are not only a distraction in classrooms but have profound effects on the rest of children. The craze has even spurred the awareness of attention deficit disorders and sensory stimulation. Although fidget spinners are not a medical condition, they have therapeutic benefits for children with mental illness and other disabilities.
What the Fidget Spinners Craze Reveals About Disability Discrimination
Although the invention has gained widespread popularity, its original inventor, Mary Jo Foley, was not able to cash in on the fad. She lost her patent and would have made a large fortune. She is now a consultant in contract engineering to earn income and advises an inventors council in central Florida. She hopes to manufacture and sell her original spinner design, with a Kickstarter appeal. The inventor is not bitter. She hopes the fidget spinners fad will encourage people with disabilities to come forward with their own inventions.
Fidget spinners can be a way to level the playing field for autistic children. They are a way to help these children feel less different and cool, just like their neurotypical peers. Furthermore, fidgeting helps these kids to relax and stay alert during a long day at school. Therefore, if fidget spinners are helpful in easing their stress, they could have a positive effect on the future of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.