Good Days v. Bad Days

There is a concept in the disability community about Good Days v. Bad Days. I have cerebral palsy, which is considered a non-progressive disorder, meaning that my condition doesn't get worse over time. Because CP is considered to be non-progressive, people often assume that I have the exact same level of functioning all the time. However, this is not necessarily the case. "Good Days" are days where perhaps, for whatever reason, I may be less spastic than usual or less tired than usual. This would possibly make it easier for me to complete certain motor tasks that I'm not normally able to complete or I may do them more efficiently due to improved motor planning skills after a physical therapy session for example. I may also have "Bad Days" where my level of functioning is worse than normal. I may be more spastic and therefore, it may be harder for me to do motor tasks that I am normally able to do. And then of course, I have baseline days. Saying things like, "Why can't you do that all the time?" or my personal favorite of, "I've seen you do that before. You can do that." is insulting to disabled people because it gives the impression that able-bodied people think we're not capable of assessing our own levels of functioning. Don't be angry at us for having good days and bad days. After all, doesn't everyone have good days and bad days in their own unique way?

Found on "The Psychology Babies" Facebook page.

“Do Not Punish the Behaviour You Want to See.” Tumblr, 28 Jan. 2018, olofahere.tumblr.com/post/170223372038/do-not-punish-the-behaviour-you-want-to-see.