Minority or Not?

Alright, here’s a question I’ve been chewing on.   ”Are people with disabilities part of a minority group?”

Actually, this is a part of the much larger question, ”what are the benefits and disadvantages of a disabled community?” Lets start with the question of what constitutes a minority group and do people with disabilities fit the definition?

In a sense the ‘disabled” are a minority group.  As a group, the disabled have had to petition for many of the same rights that other minority groups have had to historically petition for.  Equality in the workplace, access to public buildings, access to public restrooms, for that matter.  People with disabilities have needed to push for the freedom to vote.  Vote in public polling stations that is.  (Did you know that if I need assistance at a polling station I have to have one democrat and one republican come into the polling booth with me.  That’s one full booth.  Think I should insist on a representative from green party when I vote in November)?

Unlike other minority groups, however, people with disabilities are often a “minority” in their own home. 

Then there’s the thinking that, really we all have some kind of disability.  Regardless if it is visible, as in visibly noticeable, or hidden, we all have something that has us moving or functioning in this world differently than everyone else.  In that respect then, disability is group less.  In fact, it crosses age, race, gender, economic, and faith boarders.  Basicly, “otherly-abled-ness” is the one thing that brings everyone into the SAME group.  Yes?  No? 

What do you think? What constitutes a minority group?  Do people with disabilities fit that criteria? What might the advantages or disadvantages of being considered part of a minority group?