How to Spot Myers-Briggs Types in Disability/Special Needs Linkups

This is according to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.
Disclaimer: I do not promote the ADD hoax in any way. Keirsey made a convenient MBTI sorter which I like to use. This is also predominantly humorous and, thus, to be taken with a grain of salt.

 The Guardians (_S_J)

• ISFJ (Protector): Will post with haunting regularity. ISFJs adhere to rules written and unwritten to a T and are loyal to their friends. The ISFJ makes everyone feel welcome and expresses their views using their experiences with societal norms.
• ESTJ (Supervisor): Posts occasionally about their involvement in various organizations and is not likely to complain about the school system. When the ESTJ complains, they are taken seriously. 
• ISTJ (Inspector): Posts about how schools are not likely to comply with the rules whether they are real or perceived. ISTJs enforce and comply with policies and will blog about the rules. The ISTJ ascribes to one organization that they are very loyal to.
• ESFJ (Provider): Posts about their family as well as promoting resources they like and writing comforting posts. Going to the ESFJ's blog is like getting a warm hug. ESFJs are generally very popular as bloggers.

 The Artisans (_S_P)

• ISFP (Composer): Likes posting aesthetics, food, and travel as well as disability. The ISFP probably likes traveling everywhere despite access issues. ISFPs generally have aesthetically-pleasing blogs and are nice, creative people.
• ESTP (Promoter): Will be that blogger who posts fives links at a time to about seven different linkups. The ESTP is very daring and outspoken. ESTPs will frequently link to things they like and liken abstract concepts to real-world things.
• ISTP (Crafter): The ISTP will post about practical issues more than their feelings and abstract ideas. ISTPs are the ones who review assistive technology and modify it to suit their needs; they are the ultimate realists: doing what needs to be done rather than thinking and worrying.
• ESFP (Performer): The ESFP posts sporadically and is fun incarnate. Their lighthearted, in-the-moment approach to disability is often welcome in their often wide circles. ESFPs will come up with all sorts of hacks to make their kind of fun accessible.

The Idealists (_NF_)

• INFP (Healer): INFPs are crusaders of their values. Often, INFPs are passionate about their cause, so they dedicated a blog to it. INFPs rarely share in or host linkups as they are strongly individualistic. The INFP has a strong sense of what they like and dislike, which is apparent in what they write about. 
• ENFJ (Teacher): The ENFJ cares strongly about others and likes to influence others on a large scales. ENFJs write with the intent to influence others; they prefer to try to diffuse conflict and mediate instead of starting flame wars. ENFJs are likely to both host and share in linkups.
• INFJ (Counselor): Is a paradoxical mixture of passionate and even-keeled. INFJs rarely share; rather, they prefer to have others stumble upon what they write by chance. The INFJ writes about their images and perceptions of disability as well as other ponderings.
• ENFP (Champions): Will campaign for their values with much ardor. ENFPs typically come off as friendly and demonstrative. ENFPs like to see the best in others and tend to write about their ideals of how the world should be.

 The Rationals (_NT_)

• INTP (Architect): Usually writes about ideas on how to better execute practical matters. INTPs are pragmatic visionaries and will document their overall thoughts rather than specific details. If INTPs document specific details, it will be part of a logical, principled vision.
• ENTJ (Fieldmarshal): ENTJs have a commanding presence that is apparent, even in their writing. Most likely, ENTJ bloggers are trying to use blogging to meet some kind of goal they have in mind. ENTJs like to host linkups, but frequently do not join them. 
• INTJ (Mastermind): INTJs are, more so than the other Rationals, inclined to write about science and disability rather than emotions, which gives them a heartless veneer. However, past this mask, INTJs are as caring as people can get. 
• ENTP (Inventor): More relational than the other Rationals. ENTPs will write about a wide variety of ideas and visions. ENTPs are usually seen turning ideas on their heads in their writing, even their own ideas. 

Ableism and Cognitive Functions At a Glance

Ableism is a means of perceiving the world and understanding others (in a totally misguided and ignorant way), so what better way is there to understand ableism than through Jung's cognitive functions?

Keep in mind that cognitive functions are about how and why you do something, not what you do. Anyone can be ableist no matter what their dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, etc. functions are. This post focuses on dominant and maybe auxiliary functions unlike the martyr mommy post (You know the one.) that I wrote which covers primary functions in a specific pattern.

No cognitive function is more ableist than another. Keep in mind that I understand the cognitive functions through the interface of my own functions. 

The Sensing Functions

•  Extroverted sensing (Se) is the use of one's sensory perception to gather information that relates to one's present experiences. The ableist Se user acts according to their impulses and creates awkward moments. They focus on the sensory details that are different from what they are used to and, thus, experience fear. Se users tend to ask unwelcome personal questions to understand what they perceive. 
• Introverted sensing (Si) is the use of one's sensory perception to gather information in order to relate it to past experiences. The ableist Si user stores past experiences when others and feels threatened when presented with someone who deviates from their constructed image of what is safe. Si users tend to stare or make tactless comments while constructing misguided images of disability based on their past experiences.

The Intuitive Functions

• Extroverted intuition (Ne) is the use of one's intuition to form ideas using immediate contexts together. The ableist Ne user is quick to make assumptions about what someone else can do based on previous notions of their definition of ability. They tend to focus on the idea of disability itself rather than the person and build their perceptions from there.
• Introverted intuition (Ni) is the use of intuition in order to form ideas using past experiences to form ideas of what is to come. The ableist Ni user will make purely negative extrapolations when presented with disability. Ni users tend to focus on things that will go wrong and feel flustered when they have to compromise on their vision to make it accessible.

The Thinking Functions:

• Extroverted thinking (Te) is the use of one's current situation in order to organize their surroundings. The ableist Te user will deem disabled people "inefficient" and, thus, a waste of their time. Te users also have the tendency to believe that labels are the sole determiner of a person's identity. 
• Introverted thinking (Ti) is the use of principled logic to synthesize theories and build original ideas. The ableist Ti user would think of the theory of disability and think of it as only an impedance to someone's life. Ti users condense and reduce information to its perceived essence, so an ableist Ti user would form misguided perceptions from there.

The Feeling Functions

• Extroverted feeling (Fe) is the function one uses to meet the needs of others. Ableist Fe users over-help without any regard for the person's agency and pass it off as a good deed. Usually, ableist Fe users are well-intentioned, but misguided people. Fe users can also be annoyingly patronizing.
• Introverted feeling (Fi) is the sense of what one likes and dislikes as well as personal values. The ableist Fi user will reject the disabled (and/or certain types of disability) as a collective entity that they do not like. Ableist Fi users tend to misread criticism from disabled people as attacks, especially if the criticism is against something that gives them comfort.

What have you to say about ableism and cognitive functions? Do you recognize these processes in others? 

Advocacy Theme Song

Song: World Domination-How To

Artist: Kagamine Rin and Kagamine Len

Language: Japanese

This is my advocacy theme song. I'll leave this up to audience interpretation. What is your advocacy theme song?

Survey Two Ways

I feel like gathering data, so here you go.

Use the code OLD SPORT in order to access the survey about Writing About Temperament 
Use the code BON TRAVAIL in order to access the survey about Trait Biases.

Let me know what you thought of the surveys in the comment section!

Now, I Only Want You Gone

Song: "Want You Gone" from Portal 2

Artist: Jonathan Coulton (lyricist) and Ellen McLain (singer) (Cover by me)

Language: English

Well, here we are again. It's always such a pleasure. The rift between autistic people and non-autistic parents of autistic children persists, leading to confusion. Personally, I am firmly with the autistic people and trying to explain the issue using temperament theory. The topics of cures, treatment methods, and what stimming means are especially controversial. It seems that both parties have similar temperaments, but different base values, which leads to some epic clashing.

 Under the circumstances, I've been shockingly nice. Though I will, to an extent, step back and let you do your thing, I still abhor Autism Speaks, the use of aversives, and "Quiet hands" the way others abhor racism. I could bash parents into the ground, but I know that is not the way I would want my ways to be perceived. After all, since I am the one tired of invalidation, why should I do the same?

You want your freedom? Take it. That's what I'm counting on. Keep in mind that your little Caroline is a human and that she has her own MO, but I do not know her while you do. Not everyone is going to agree with what you do with Caroline, but most people have good intentions for her. Most people do not hate people, but hate actions. 

Goodbye, my only friend. Oh, did you think I meant you? That would be funny if it weren't so sad. Being taught to play "the right way" with "the right things" defeats the purpose of play, which is to derive pleasure and have fun. It teaches that people will only love you for a learned image, not for who you really are. A friend of mine recalled an experience of an autistic girl who got her hair pulled by her (presumably neurotypical) peers claiming they were "styling" it. The girl excused their behavior by saying "They're my friends" because that is what her "therapist" told her.

If you don't want to listen to autistic people and, thus, by rejecting empirical evidence, you're someone else's problem. That's what I'm counting on. I'll let you get right to it because now, I only want you gone. You've got your short, sad life left. If you support Autism Speaks or promote the robbing of human rights from autistic people, I want you gone. Go make some new disaster because, now, I only want you gone.

Now, I only want you gone.

The Martyr Mommy's Primary Cognitive Functions

I am going to look at the martyr mommy (or daddy, but pattern occurs more in females) through the lens of cognitive functions. This is an archetype I am analyzing, not a specific person, so all accusations of personal attacks are null and void. I decided to look at this pattern through the lens of cognitive functions to examine why someone would make an active effort to exploit their children for pitiful praise.

Primary Processes:

The Base Function
The base function is the primary cognitive process one uses in order to execute various tasks. It is the function one naturally defers to, making it the default. This leads me to believe that the archetypal martyr mommy's dominant cognitive function is Fi, introverted feeling. Introverted feeling is about valuing, considering worth, using one's values to achieve accord, and telling whether one likes something. The martyr mommy uses their misguided values about their child in order to build communities and have others repeat the opinions they have formed. Not all Fi dom parents are martyr parents, but the archetype does heavily resemble Fi.

The Supporting/Auxiliary Function
The auxiliary function is the function one uses to support and affirm others. This function often works alongside the base function. The martyr mommy uses extroverted intuition, Ne, to pick apart what self-advocates say and make baseless accusations against them. She uses Ne, also, to read the stories of her kind and sympathize with them. Using Fi and Ne, the martyr mommy both cuts down self-advocates and builds up fear-soliciting parents by using her judgment of values and perceptions of formed contexts through what is said.

The Relief Role
The relief role is the role one uses to recharge and supply their energy reserves. This role is how one is creative and playful. When exhausted from their daily activities, the martyr mommy uses introverted sensing to review her past experiences with her child and uses them to generate her Internet content fodder. Since parents of this type are typically (or at least claim to be) under extreme stress, the relief function makes itself rather apparent. Recounting experiences and posting them for all to see and as a plea for pity is an example of the unhealthy Fi-Si loop.

The Aspirational Role
The inferior function or the aspirational role is used to project "shoulds", fears, and negatives onto others. It is this cognitive function that the martyr mommy's blog runs rampant with and may even be mistaken for her dominant function. The martyr mommy uses extroverted thinking, Te, to set and enforce her Internet locations' policies. She uses charts and graphs to organize data into effective propaganda for "awareness" and fearmongering. Using misleading statistics to promote snake oil cures is another way the martyr mommy uses Te as an aspirational role.

I am all about looking at disability issues through the lens of temperament theory. The archetypal martyr mommy most resembles an INFP Harmonizer Clarifier, but the martyr mommy neither harmonizes nor clarifies. Instead, she distorts and sows discord throughout the disability community. If you are an INFP, please be aware that I have nothing against INFPs. This is just a correlation resulting from the analysis of a specific archetype. Also be aware that the correlation is not the cause. Being an INFP does not cause martyr mommy-dom, but this type seems to be susceptible to it due to the nature of their cognitive functions. Again, this is just an archetype analysis. I am not accusing anyone of anything, just using Ne to make correlations and reveal patterns.

The Mighty Practices Temperamental Discrimination

Every time I go on The Mighty, I see very little variety to the content and the way it flows. The stories tend to focus on emotions. They are clearly edited to fit a temperamental pattern. The Mighty claims to promote diversity, but they seemed to overlook temperamental diversity as an integral part of life with a disability. The stories seem to all come from multiple with the same reason for why they act the way they do. Thus, I think The Mighty is discriminating against writers of certain temperaments.

As a DiSCability blogger, I find it important that all temperaments get represented in the disability community. Most of The Mighty's content is posted by allies sharing their experiences as parents or those who are grieving the loss of their children. This alone concerns me because I would not run a violin store as a flutist who has never picked up a violin. Lists of things you wish others knew, not to say, and other compilations as well as the occasional "embracing myself" post penned by disabled writers are also common. Photo shoots are also popular pieces. 

But with such diversity, how can you possibly accuse them of the lack thereof?

All of these are clearly meant to appeal to people of the melancholic temperament. Sensitive, perfectionistic, and passionate, melancholics seem to make the perfect typical voice to drown out the disabled, right? At least The Mighty thinks so. The Mighty favors the meticulous melancholics while ignoring social sanguines, commanding cholerics, peaceful phlegmatics, and their perspectives. Even if one of these temperaments happens to slip under the editors' eyes, it is usually because they write with a melancholic style. 

In an already strongly predominantly melancholic community, temperamental diversity should be promoted and not squelched by publishing stories that follow the same archetypes that are clearly meant to appeal to the same temperament. Phlegmatics can write about how their "go with the flow" approach to life with their disability. Cholerics can contribute pragmatic, objective viewpoints as well as mobilize others to execute their visions. Sanguines can use their lighthearted sense of humor to prevent others from thinking of disability as an inherently sad or pitiful experience. It takes all four temperaments to show true diversity, not one. If you work for or support The Mighty, take the time to truly show "real people" and "real stories". This includes allowing each contributor to show their temperament. If you are actively protesting against The Mighty, use the tags #NotSoMighty and #TheMelancholy on your main mode of social media and talk about the systemic temperamental discrimination that runs rampant on the site.

Image Description: White text on a red background that reads "Real people. Real stories. Only melancholics' perspectives are real, though. Sanguines, phlegmatics, and cholerics need not contribute." "People" and "Stories" are bold. This is a satirical parody of The Mighty's slogan.

Why You Advocate the Way You Do

Tim LaHaye, a Christian counselor, organized the four temperaments (choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, and sanguine) into twelve blends. He is the author of Why You Act the Way You Do, Spirit-Controlled Temperament, and other works. Your LaHaye blend affects the way you advocate, providing the basis for how and why you do it. Disability advocacy is not limited to one temperamental pattern. All twelve can do it, just in different ways. 

LaHaye's blend system works by taking the first syllable of each temperament (with the exception of the choleric temperament in some cases) and affixing the first syllable of another temperament to create portmanteaus of the temperaments. Either "chol" or "chlor" is acceptable in reference to the choleric temperament. (I don't know why Tim LaHaye uses "chlor" rather than "chol".)

Sanguine Blends

• SanChlor: SanChlors are the most strongly extroverted out of all of the twelve blends. The SanChlor advocate is enthusiastic, people-oriented, and an effective inspirer of people. Always ready to speak out, SanChlors form opinions quickly and tend to dive into situations and take initiative on issues before anyone else, even if said SanChlor did not think the issue through before opening their mouth. This temperament tends to justify their actions whether they are right or wrong and let their ego direct them towards their causes. They tend to waffle between causes that will earn the approval of others rather than loyally holding fast to one. Such is not the nature of disability advocacy, so the SanChlor has a tendency to give up on such things. However, when given the right information and approval from the right people, SanChlors make very effective advocates.
• SanMel: SanMels are highly emotional people who genuinely feel the plights of others. Seeing as how an empathetic viewpoint is welcome in disability discussion, SanMels are readily welcomed. Due to their emotional nature, the SanMel tends to fall for disability glurge more than other temperaments, so SanMels need to hone their discernment in choosing their sources of inspiration. By doing so, the SanMel advocate can direct others to what is truly inspiring instead of condescending tear-jerkers. As well as being easily misled, SanMels often forget the practical side of advocacy. When a SanMel sees the joy practical things can bring, they will focus on such things. The SanMel can be dramatic in their advocacy method, sometimes leading to the publication of tirades. Though emotional expression is important to the SanMel, this temperament must consider how others will respond to their emotions on a page. SanMels bring the ever-important emotional aspects of the disability community to life, which make their role integral as advocates.
• SanPhleg: SanPhlegs are the easiest people to like. The happy-go-lucky sanguine blended with the gracious phlegmatic creates a truly nice person. They are carefree, humorous, and are not as susceptible to the effects of stress as other temperaments. A SanPhleg has a naturally kind spirit due to their love for others would never do something with the intent of hurting another person. SanPhleg advocates are happy to break the ice and dissolve awkwardness with a joke or simply by listening. However, the SanPhleg lacks the discipline and aggressiveness that is necessary to advocate. The differing opinions of the disability community may make a SanPhleg advocate burn out before they even start due to their desire to please everyone. However, when a SanPhleg learns how to say "No" to misleading information, this temperament becomes a truly caring and warm advocate. 

Choleric Blends

• ChlorSan: As the second most extroverted of the LaHaye blends, saying that the ChlorSan is active is an understatement. ChlorSans thrive on challenges, such as a doctor saying "It can't be done" to a patient. That is an invitation for a ChlorSan to say "Well, you just haven't found a way" and then to proceed to find a way. The ChlorSan advocate is almost fearless and a convincing debater; ChlorSans compensate for what they lack in empirical evidence with intuition, bluff and bravado. As an advocate, the ChlorSan can charm the coldest-hearted people. The ChlorSan is impatient with those who do not share their energy and enthusiasm, which leads to them stepping on the more sensitive types in an effort to reach their goal. ChlorSans as advocates tend to use other people to achieve their means because the secondary sanguine nature takes away from the resolution of a choleric. It is not uncommon for a ChlorSan to seem to have one niche one moment and another niche the next. ChlorSans are natural promoters and inspirers. Because ChlorSans are usually the catalysts for action, the disability community would move nowhere without the ChlorSan advocates' energy and motivation. 
• ChlorMel: ChlorMels are industrious, capable people in anything they do. Their quick, analytical minds lead them to pointing out flaws in systems and objects alike. ChlorMels are dogged researchers and are drawn to the scientific and pragmatic aspects of the disability community rather than the emotional aspects. ChlorMels are forceful in what they do, which is not in and of itself negative, but the ChlorMel advocate must take care that they do not become too autocratic in their methods. ChlorMels tend to argue and debate with others to find a truth or a compromise rather than just for fun. This temperament tends to have one niche because, when a ChlorMel takes up a cause, they put careful consideration into it and slowly become more loyal to it. ChlorMel advocates do not receive the credit they deserve for improving the disability community. It is the ChlorMels' innovations that, figuratively or literally, keep the disability community alive, well, and active. 
• ChlorPhleg: The ChlorPhleg is an organized, deliberate, and the most subdued of all the extroverts. ChlorPhlegs organize a plan and follow through on it, believing that anything can be better if it is organized. This temperament disguises jabs at ableism and other matters as humor when advocating; one can never be sure if a ChlorPhleg is kidding or ridiculing. Once a ChlorPhleg sets themselves in their ways, they do not budge. With that said, ChlorPhlegs are not easily mislead, but, when a ChlorPhleg goes in the wrong direction with advocacy, the ChlorPhleg will most likely make things right quietly and not admit to their mistake openly. This temperament also has a tendency to excessive pragmatism. ChlorPhlegs will consider a ramp a sign of acceptance, even when no one uses it. The ChlorPhleg can make an excellent advocate if they have concrete goals they can carry into fruition with their organizational skills. ChlorPhlegs provide the much-needed focus on practical issues that prevents us from fumbling around with ideas for too long.

Melancholy Blends:

• MelSan: The MelSan combines the intellect and sensitivity of the melancholy with the communication skills of the sanguine, an almost ideal advocacy combination. MelSans are highly emotional and prone to tears whether they are due to happiness, sadness, or anger. The MelSan advocate can be unreasonably critical of others and their approaches to advocacy as well as dramatic during their diatribes. MelSans can swing from fantastically ecstatic to woeful and dejected in a heartbeat and stay that way until something else brings them back up. They feel deeply and carry their feelings for long periods of time. It would be safe to say that most disability bloggers are MelSans, though some people tend to feign the temperamental pattern. Without the MelSan advocate's eloquent writings, the disability community would dissolve as this temperament laid the foundation for such a community to exist.
• MelChlor: MelChlors advocate, not with color and noise, but with efficiency. The MelChlor has a penchant for perfection as well as a desire for dominance. It seems that there is nothing a MelChlor cannot do due to their dedication and strong work ethic. As an advocate, the MelChlor uses their talents to defeat stereotypes and drives their cause forward using their sensitivity combined with forceful bluntness. MelChlors almost always have a goal in mind when they advocate and will go to great lengths to reach that goal. However, the MelChlor's weaknesses can nullify their talents if left unchecked. It is not uncommon for a MelChlor advocate to castigate others for viewpoints that do not match theirs and, when told they are being too forceful, a MelChlor is apt to explode. If not for the MelChlors, we would be too emotional as a community and not complete any of the tasks we dream about.
• MelPhleg: MelPhlegs are the most introverted of the LaHaye blends. They are kind, sensitive, and not as prone to hostility as the other melancholy blends. MelPhlegs combine the perfection of the melancholy with the reliability of the phlegmatic. As an advocate, the MelPhleg displays a great deal of compassion and loyalty towards their niche. MelPhlegs tend to be outspoken about their passions and keep silent about other things.The MelPhleg tends towards feelings of fear and negativity, leading them to tell of bleak futures when this is not the case. Although the MelPhleg advocate uses their talents to defeat stereotypes, the MelPhleg tends to doubt their own abilities due to their low self-esteem. Their anxiety can get the better of them, sometimes even causing their health to deteriorate. The MelPhleg's natural desire to be conscientious can cause them to take up more and more causes and, thus, overload themselves, leading to their eventual detriment. MelPhlegs are prevalent in the online disability community, which is a good thing because the loyal, compassionate MelPhlegs set the tone for how we are to go about advocating.

Phlegmatic Blends:

• PhlegSan: PhlegSans are congenial, patient, and mild-mannered people. The PhlegSan is never abrasive and loves their family--both their literal family and their advocate family. PhlegSans tend to follow more intense types; they take active roles if they have a good source of motivation. However, the PhlegSan is more apt to walk away from a problem than address it due to their extreme people-orientedness. PhlegSans tend to shy away from things that are "too much effort" although this temperament has a gift for attracting others that would gladly help a PhlegSan with anything they need. The PhlegSan can be too gentle and good-natured, which can lead to tolerating--and even unknowingly promoting--ableism. A PhlegSan can learn how to lead, though this temperament tends to overlook this facet of advocacy. PhlegSans might even find "advocate" too aggressive a term and deny it. However, when a PhlegSan accepts the label, they make warm, friendly advocates ready to dissolve the rampant tension disability community.
• PhlegChlor: The PhlegChlor is the most active of the introverted blends, but the PhlegChlor "will never be a ball of fire," as Tim LaHaye says, due to the predominating phlegmatic.  PhlegChlors are objective people who tend to discuss broad topics rather than wasting their energy on emotional matters. PhlegChlors rarely lead or follow, leading them to be individualistic in their methods. This temperament does not blow up at others, but simply (figuratively or literally) digs their heels into the ground and does not budge when asked to move. PhlegChlors rarely go beyond the norm, whatever their norm is, but they will hold fast to it. The PhlegChlor will not write long, rambling posts about their life story, but get to the point with concise, efficient methods. I believe there is a shortage of PhlegChlor disability advocates. PhlegChlors stabilize and bring objectivity to the table in the midst of the almost universal emotional turmoil.
• PhlegMel: PhlegMels are the most gracious and gentle out of all the LaHaye temperament blends.  They are exact, neat, and organized and never impulsively blurt their opinions as some other blends are prone to doing. PhlegMels are diplomatic and rarely hostile. This leads this temperament to be apologetic, even in situations when they might as well be apologizing for nothing. Other more assertive types are apt to run over PhlegMels in their pursuits. The PhlegMel's lack of aggressiveness and fearful tendencies are their main weaknesses as advocates. They are timid and don't tend to speak out unless they are in dire circumstances. When a PhlegMel overcomes their fearfulness, they retain their pleasant demeanor, but are less likely to be stepped on by people of other temperaments. PhlegMels provide the gentle listening ear/eye/other body part or piece of technology used for communication that is needed when so many of us speak out boldly. 

This is a call for temperamental diversity in the online disability community. I have never seen any disability advocates openly identify with their temperament although many identify with other factors such as their gender or race. I feel that temperament is a heavily overlooked factor in the disability experience and should be considered more often than it already is (or isn't.). This is the "hidden diversity" that influences much of what we do regardless of other factors. I don't want anyone to say "Advocacy is not for me because I don't have the right temperament" or to feign a temperamental pattern thinking it is the only way to advocate. I have yet to hear more about temperament and disability, so, I need your perspectives. Write a blog post about how your temperament affected your experiences with disability, be it your own or someone else's. I am one person with one temperament and one perspective. More people should discuss the connections between disability and temperament in order to truly promote temperamental diversity. We claim to support diversity of various kinds, but temperamental diversity doesn't seem to be one of them.

Disclaimer: All work that is Tim LaHaye's belongs to Tim LaHaye. I had no part in their development or publication. 

I tried to submit this to Two Thirds of the Planet, but it keeps getting rejected as spam.

DiSCability Advocacy

 The DiSC profile is a widely-used personality test used to sort someone's methods of interaction with others into these four areas: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. These interaction styles affect our approaches to work, social life, leadership, and, thus, our advocacy methods. Usage of the DiSC profile to understand ourselves and others can increase the effectiveness of our efforts. I will examine each DiSC type and advocacy method correlation in a separate post.

Dominance is the factor of control and assertiveness. People comparatively high in Dominance use blunt, forthright advocacy methods. They have little regard for the sensitivities of others and tend to "say things as they are" instead of "sugar-coating". People comparatively low in Dominance tend to shy away from challenges and value peace above victory, even in the absence of taught values. High D advocates are typically drawn to leadership positions.

Influence is the factor of sociability and persuasion. People comparatively high in Influence are friendly and approachable and use this to their advantage while advocating. They have excellent communication skills and genuinely enjoy the company of others. People comparatively low in Influence are more task-oriented than relational and do not like to be around others as much as their more Influential counterparts. High I advocates tend towards social roles.

Steadiness is the factor of order and stability. People comparatively high in Steadiness value traditions, systems, and credentials and advocate within the boundaries of the system by practicing what other advocates preach. They rarely go beyond the norm, faithfully and fastidiously follow their routines. People comparatively low in Steadiness enjoy spontaneity and resist restraint. High S advocates tend towards documenting their experiences and following other more "radical" advocates.

Compliance is the factor of perfectionism and correctness. People comparatively high in Compliance value "rightness", whether that rightness is objective or subjective, and follow the rules of others as well as their own. They advocate for what they see as right and strive for their often quixotic ideals of rightness and are sensitive to detail. People comparatively low in Compliance tend to skim over details and disregard rules they see as unnecessary. High C advocates tend to pursue fields that call for perfection as a means of moving towards what they view as right.

Why should I use DiSC as an advocate? 
DiSC gives insight as to how any why we advocate. A High D would say "I am the most qualified to solve this problem" and go about attempting to solve it while a High S would say "Will someone solve this problem?". Each DiSC type has its own set of fortes and foibles; there is no right or wrong DiSC type. Knowing your type will allow you to see why you advocate the way you do, why some methods work for you while others don't, and how you can increase the effectiveness of your methods.

What is DiSC not?
DiSC is not your personality. Your personality is the sum of your temperament, your experiences, and acquired traits. DiSC is the pattern of your outward behaviors, a manifestation of your temperament. Each of the four areas corresponds to one of the four original temperaments: choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, and sanguine. However, DiSC only measures outward behavior, not innate nature. DiSC is a basic pattern of your outward behaviors, not an all-encompassing description of who you are.

Where can I take the DiSC test?
To ensure the most accuracy, you can pay for one, or, if you don't want to pay for a test, take this one.

A Challenge:
Take the DiSC test I linked to, publish a picture of your results, and tell about how your DiSC type affects your advocacy methods. Axiom Software's interpretations are useful in analyzing your individual type. 

This is my DiSC type. How can you see this through my methods?

 

If you do write a DiSCability advocacy post, feel free to use this image:

Image Descriptions:

1. A circle divided into quarters with each quarter being red, yellow, blue, or green.
1. The red quarter: Direct, decisive, independent, and to the point. Bottom line and results-oriented. Often strong-willed, enjoys challenges and immediate results
2. The yellow quarter: Optimistic, social, and outgoing. Enjoys being on teams, sharing openly, entertaining, and motivating others.
3. The green quarter: Team player, cooperative and supportive of others. Prefers being in the background, working in a stable environment. Often good listeners and prefers to avoid conflict and change.
1. The blue quarter: Cautious and concerned. Focused on what is "correct." Plans ahead and is concerned about accuracy 
2. A pie chart with a red section, an orange section, a yellow section, and a purple section
1. The red section is the largest (55%) and represents Dominance.
2. The orange section is smaller than the red section (22%) and represents Influence.
3. The yellow section is smaller than the orange section (12%) and represents Compliance.
4. The purple section is the smallest (10%) and represents Steadiness.
3. An accessibility symbol (the new one with a robust figure pushing one's self while leaning forward) with an opaque white circle with a black outline divided into quarters with each quarter having a red D, a yellow I, a green S, or a blue C. The image reads "DiSC" if the letters are read clockwise from D. 

MBTIs as Disability Bloggers

• NT Types
• ENTJ: I will do research and analyze the disability community as a whole so I can lead and unite them with my ideas. After all, I was made to be a leader. The world needs MY perspective and MY ideas. I want to devise more efficient ways to deal with disability and not waste time on emotional posts. People need information to make progress, not fuzzy feeling fodder. Everyone has their part to play in carrying my visions into fruition. I'm always finding a way--or making one.
• ENTP: Hmm. Let's debate this issue. It looks like it will spark some good discussions. If we discuss this issue enough, someone will resolve it. That person could be me. Well, I might as well start this or else no one will. Ugh, why is everyone just parroting each other's opinions? Come on, DEBATE!!!! Nothing will get done if you all fumble around trying to please everyone. 
• INTJ: I have conducted extensive analysis of the disability community and a few its sub-divisions. Now, I will post my findings because this topic is not analyzed nearly enough. I will write something very long to make sure every detail gets mentioned and use technical terms rather copiously. Some of these ideas really need to be challenged. I hope someone finds my findings informative and useful for application. 
• INTP: We need to approach this issue with logic. Idealistic posts are nice, but what good are they with no practical application? Oh, I like this idea! I've haven't seen anything like it. It is a nice balance of the pragmatic and the idealistic. Still, it needs more from the pragmatic side. This theory needs clarification. I can do that. I'm just going to do my own thing and hope someone says something without trying to control me or make me control them.
• NF Types
• ENFJ: Oh, hi! I love your guys. I don't like robotic doctors. Do they even realize that we are human beings and not just sets of numbers? I don't like how people are pigeonholed and put into boxes when there is so much more to them! People should really be nicer to each other. I found this issue about how we interact. Remember to #JustActNaturally. What do you think, everyone? I welcome your opinions.
• ENFP: Hello there!!! Tell me your ideas, but make it quick. I don't want too many details. I bet we can do this if only we try to make the world a better place for everyone. We can all get along, can't we? Here's a feel-good story to help you get through your day. I don't know why some people think everything needs to have a practical application. People like that are so...cold and calculated. It makes me uncomfortable.
• INFJ: I will carry this idea into fruition. I hope I didn't accidentally hurt anyone with what I said! That would utterly destroy me. I must stick to my values if I am going to make the world a better place. I always try to do the right thing. Is everyone okay? I sure hope so. I'd hate to hurt someone by saying the wrong thing, so I'll stick to my values and adjust them as needed to accommodate everyone.
• INFP: Welcome to my blog! Have a cup of hot chocolate while you're at it.I'll try to understand where you're coming from, but I'd hate to develop the wrong idea of you. My values are a means of preserving my sanity, but I can adapt them if they hurt you. I'll try to make everyone feel welcome as long as you respect my values. If you ask for help, I'll give it to you. I can adapt to pretty much anyone, so come on by and I'll make you welcome.
• SP Types
• ESTP: Welcome, everybody! I will give you slices of my life because I like to live in the moment. Come here if you want to have fun and learn something new about me! I am a true "people person" and so full of zest and life I just had to start a blog! If I like your idea, I'll promote it and make sure everyone sees it. I just don't like a lot of details and other boring stuff. Anyway, I've got more friends to make! Bye!
• ESFP: HI!!!!! You're my best friend...and so is that person...and that person...and also that person! Why analyze everyone when you can have fun and be friends? All you need is a little bit of common sense and a lot of moments to navigate through life. To me, there is no tomorrow and yesterday is just a blur. I love being the center of attention and the life of the party! So come on, share the joy with me!
• ISTP: I'm working on this new project. Would you like to see it? My blog isn't particularly special, but, if that's what you're looking for, that's nice. I see things as they are and want to make sure that no one gets so wrapped up in their personal beliefs that they lose sight of objective realities. I'll get my hands dirty for a cause that appeals to me, but don't count on me to create some convoluted theory, okay?
• ISFP: I love art and it loves me back, so I want to share the love with a blog. I don't like to make waves or anything, just to be creative and take in the world. You can count on me to see something beautiful in everything--and I expect you to do the same. I am a very original and creative person and like to create things that appeal to the senses. You just need to do stuff moment by moment, you see? Don't try too hard.
• SJ Types 
• ESTJ: I draw the lines and make sure everyone can understand. Can't understand the latest theory? I can make it a tradition that everyone can understand. I like being part of a community, so that's why I blog! I want to make sure everyone is heard, so I'll put in a lot of effort to listen and make sure others do the same. My blog is full of traditions because I love them so. Gather around, everyone, and help me build this community! 
• ESFJ: Want a pat on the back or someone to put your baggage on? I'm your person. I love caring for everyone. I'm always looking for a way to help and will be active if I am pushed enough. I get everything done, perhaps because I don't do much, but I really love to do things for others. If you need anything, E-mail me and just ask. I love to make sure that everyone is well. 
• ISTJ: I like to take blogging one post at a time. My visions are logical, clear, and based on long-held traditions. I don't like the impractical theories of others. We need to use tried-and-true methods, ones that we know to work rather than ones we don't know work. I'm a practical person and I like to plan things out and have clear boundaries. Here are my blog rules. I expect that you comply.
• ISFJ: H-hi.... I don't think you'd notice me, but I'm forever at your service. My blog is nothing special, but, if that's what you're looking for, I'm glad that you like it. I'm blogging because there's no reason I would let a worthwhile cause like adding to the voice of the largest minority go unnoticed. I'd like to connect with you, so leave a comment. But please don't be brash in your approach. I don't like to be threatened....
• Discussion Questions
• What do you think is the most common MBTI (or MBTI group) among disability bloggers? The least common?
• Is there a hated MBTI or MBTI group among disability bloggers? Why do you think so (or not)? 
• Are there bloggers you think fit specific MBTIs? Who fits what MBTI and why? 
• What is your MBTI? How do you reflect that while writing?

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