Disability What Are Some Cultural

Disability

What are some cultural perceptions that promote adjustment to disability? What are some perceptions that prohibit adjustment to disability? What perceptions seem most remarkable to you?

The social model of disability sees the issue of disability as a socially created problem and a matter of the full integration of individuals into society. Disability is not a characteristic of an individual, but rather a complex collection of conditions, many of which are created by the social environment. Management of the problem requires social action and is the combined responsibility of society at large in order to make the environmental modifications necessary so that people with disabilities can have full participation in all areas of social life. The issue is both cultural and ideological, necessitating individual, community, and wide scale social change. Equal access for someone with a disability is a human rights issue this if of major concern to everyone involved (Interacting with People with Disabilities, 2007).

Very often people feel uncomfortable talking to or being with those who have a physical or mental disability. They think that they will either say something insulting or do the wrong thing by offering to help. An additional reason is that some people feel sorry for people who have a disability, and think that they are bitter about their disabilities. This is untrue in many cases. Lots of people with disabilities feel that their lives are enhanced by their experiences with disability, and even if given the chance to get rid of their disability would choose not to. Most of the time this is not a big deal to most people with disabilities. What's important is that one respect the person for who they are and look beyond their disability. An important thing to remember when dealing with those who have disabilities - is that they are people. "And just like all people, they are very different, including being different in how they are with disability issues" (Interacting with People with Disabilities, 2007). These are the perceptions that I find most remarkable are that people have the perception that people with disabilities are not truly people. It seems to me that this is nothing more than a lack of education. The more that people know the less negative that their perceptions tend to be.

2. What are the issues people with disability face who are living in less economically advantaged countries?

While many people with disabilities have high levels of education, and are fully employed and participating in their communities, persons with disabilities tend to face disproportionate levels of unemployment and low-income, and to face the extra challenges in terms of well-being and participation that are associated with unemployment and low-income. This social and economic marginalization has many costs. People with disabilities often have lower levels of personal security, and are more susceptible to violence and exploitation. Low income alone can form an additional barrier for persons with disabilities to participation and inclusion within society. Poverty often generates barriers to sufficient housing, to means for access to justice, and to civic and communal contribution and commitment.

3. What are some of the most important resources that people with disability need who are living in less economically advantaged countries?

The ultimate responsibility for fixing any conditions that lead to impairment and for dealing with the consequences ultimately, falls with Governments. This does not wane the responsibility of society in general, or of individuals and organizations. Governments have to take the lead in raising the consciousness of people in regards to the gains that there are to be had had by individuals and society from the inclusion of disabled persons in every area of social, economic and political life. Governments must also make sure that people who are dependent because of a severe disability have the same opportunity to achieve a standard of living that is equal to that of the rest of the people. Non-governmental organizations often assist Governments by devising needs, suggesting solutions and providing services balancing to those provided by Governments. Allocation of financial and material resources by all sections of the population, not leaving out the rural areas of developing countries could be of major implication to disabled persons by resulting in expanded community services and improved economic chances. It is thought that many disabilities could be prevented if measures were taken against malnutrition, environmental pollution, poor hygiene, inadequate prenatal and postnatal care, water-borne diseases and accidents of all types. The international community could make a major breakthrough against disabilities caused by poliomyelitis, tetanus, whooping-cough and diphtheria, and to a lesser extent tuberculosis, through a world-wide expansion of programs of immunization (Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, n.d.).

4. What is social responsibility of healthcare provider living in the U.S. To people with disability in the throughout the world? How can we make differences as individuals?

Poverty is a major problem. Health gaps typically reflect equality gaps. There is a terrible irony for the enormous numbers of people without access to health because poverty aggravates poor health while poor health makes it harder to get out of poverty (Shah, 2009). Healthcare providers who live in the U.S. have a social responsibility to their field of work and to those people around the world for which they can help to achieve a better way of life. As individuals we can make a difference by giving what we can to those in need. Whether that be money, time or effort, every person that does something helps another person who is unable to help themselves.