Reflective account on disability and society - Essay Example

Reflective Account on Disability and Society Understanding the issues underlying disability in society has helped me develop a clearer perspective on the struggles of disabled individuals. It is not uncommon to have pre-conceived notions of individuals with physical, cognitive, social and even emotional deficits. They are usually seen as “abnormal’, “freaks”, and have limited capacities. This renders them unable to fully contribute to society and develop their full potentials. The medical model of disability sees the blame in the disability and creates a negative view of the disabled individual.

I subscribe more to the social model of disability which faults society in discriminating against individuals with disabilities. It is not their fault that they were born or acquired impairments that limits their abilities to function normally like the majority. It is a good thing that this point was realized by lawmakers who have created legislations to support and protect them such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Equality Act that replaced it. Positive social models encourage society to provide opportunities to disabled individuals such as inclusion in education and equal opportunities in employment.

Enabling and empowering them makes a huge difference in their lives and helps boost their self-esteem in the realization that their rights as human beings are respected. I was more concerned with children with disabilities. They are just beginning their lives and if society looks down upon them in their young age and are not given the support they need, then hopes for a better future are significantly reduced. This deprives society of possible contributions which may further help in its growth and progress.

Individuals who have disabilities such as Nick Vujicic, Hellen Keller, Franklin Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and more have gone on to be successful in their lives despite their disabilities. If they were not given the chance early on to develop their skills, then it would have been a huge loss to society. It is amazing how science has brought about positive developments in medical, behavioural and educational interventions to help people with disabilities. Various therapies have been designed to address the needs of different illnesses and developmental disorders.

Inclusive strategies both in educational institutions and workplaces have been embracing the diverse conditions of the disabled population. What is more heart-warming is the collaboration of various agencies to provide multi-agency support so that all aspects of the disabled person’s life are considered to ensure that appropriate help is extended. It is hoped that all countries will uphold policies that protect and support disabled individuals and welcome them into the mainstream. Anti-discriminatory practices should be enforced.

It is also ideal if interventions and treatments for the disabled are kept affordable so that they can avail of such amenities to help them develop the necessary skills to survive the challenges their disability presents to them. It is high time that society becomes more sympathetic to the cause of the disabled population and implements the necessary actions to empower them so they can rise from their embattled conditions.