The Aspect of Discrimination Against the Disabled in Our Society - Research Paper Example

Introduction In this particular paper, the aspect of discrimination against the disabled in our society would be examined. Firstly, a brief observation would be made on the two types of disability – mental and physical. Secondly, a mention would be made also of a few real instances of both the past and also contemporary times, which will focus on the way the disabled are victims of discrimination. This paper would also examine the manner in which latest technologies have come out with various aids for the disabled, and which emphasize that discrimination against the disabled is unwarranted. A brief narration would be made about an instance that goes on to show that, despite all the discrimination, there are indeed a few cases where the disabled were accorded utmost humane treatment. Probably, the most vital point that would be covered in this paper is the one that takes a glance at some individuals who defied disability to attain phenomenal success in their chosen field. Mental and Physical Disability Disabilities are of two forms – Physical and Mental. A person becomes physically disabled when their abilities related of locomotion, sight, hearing, speech and usage of hands are either reduced, or are rendered totally of no use. These types of disability can result from both natural causes, or from some mishaps or accidents. When an individual is afflicted by some psychological disorder that prevents them from gaining proper perception of the things around, it is treated as a mental disability. Some forms of mental disability also lead to a display of violent and aggressive behavior by the effected person. In some milder forms of mental disorders like Dyslexia (in children), a patient and humane approach by the teachers and elders would ensure that the disorder would in no way be a hindrance for the child’s mental growth. Here, it needs to be noted that in some cases both these forms of disability are congenital and the individuals are hence compelled to struggle, right from the time of their birth. But there are countless instances where even congenital disability could not impede the person from being a phenomenal achiever. Discrimination Against Disabled – A Long History “Majority of books on history speak about discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, religion and race, amongst others, with the writers almost totally ignoring an equally atrocious form of discrimination, to say the least – discrimination against the disabled! In his book titled “History of Discrimination Against Disabled Persons”, the author John “Jackie” Barrett examines this very vital aspect. He speaks about the utterly inhuman practices of the bygone era such as the stone age practice of expelling an unfit person from the tribe and the medieval age one of discarding a disabled child to be taken as food by vultures, to cite a few.” (1) “John Barrett also focuses on the way in which this discrimination is persisting even in the contemporary era. His book includes many modern-day relevant instances such as the action of the Australian Government, in 1996, where it abolished all programs being conducted in special schools, and which were aimed at benefiting disabled individuals who were over 18. The book also narrates the heart rending state of the school children in Japan afflicted by the disability to learn and grasp things. These children are victims of the bullies, with the teachers being totally helpless in coming to their rescue.” (1) Writers like John Barrett are doing their utmost in combating this particular scenario of victimization of the disabled. They (writers) are leaving no stone unturned in educating the general public about the seriousness of the situation. Books such as the one discussed above also add that, with so many technologies around, many of the disabled indeed are in a position to obtain growth in many realms. It is just a more human approach from the more privileged that is required by the disabled, and they do deserve it! Though this form of discrimination (against the disabled) is very much present even in this age, still, when compared with treatment meted out to the disabled in the bygone era, and which was nothing short of sheer brutality, it would be noted that things have been indeed changing for the better with the passage of time. To elaborate further, the aforesaid things of expulsion of the unfit and discarding of the disabled child are now things of the past. Similarly, it can be expected that the contemporary forms of discrimination would vanish in the due course. Indeed, time is equipped with the power to eliminate many ills and unethical practices plaguing the society. Technological Aids and Other Services “Individuals doing a voluntary service for George Winston Communications Service have brought out many solutions that render yeomen service to people afflicted by various forms of disabilities. There are solutions that cater to the needs of the disabled pertaining to diverse age groups. The volunteers run that extra mile in ensuring that the disabled have minimal hindrances in their everyday life, not to mention the activities aimed at generating funds for meeting these philanthropic objectives.” (2) “The FREEDOM WHEELS bike program offered by George Winston Communications Service provides a bike for disabled children, and which is customized as per the specific needs of a child. Each bike is the outcome of a thorough interaction that the child has with experts from the realms of engineering and healthcare. The Program fully recognizes the fact that each child is a distinct individual with varying needs and abilities, and that a single standardized bike would not be meeting the needs of every child.” (3) “Similarly, on an annual basis, George Winston Communications Service also brings out more than one thousand aids for the handicapped, customized as per individual requirements and specifications. These (aids) fully facilitate the disabled in not just carrying on with their everyday life unhindered, but also in enhancing the growth prospects available for them. These devices encompass various spheres such as mobility, personal care, education, work and recreation, amongst many others.” (3) The above three paragraphs just go on to emphasize that, now there is no need for the disabled to be bogged down by fatalism. In fact, the above speaks about just one of the numerous organizations that are relentlessly striving for betterment of the disabled persons. As a matter of fact, even those who are a party to discrimination against these under privileged need to note that, when a proper ambience is provided, people with disabilities could indeed achieve success in their chosen spheres of activity. It is also heartening that the number of philanthropic organizations aimed at assisting the handicapped individuals is rapidly rising. Humane Approach “Craig Guidry, who works in the avenue of business analysis for IBM Global services met with a pleasant experience, which is diametrically opposite to the scenario of discrimination being discussed in this paper. In 1984, he was afflicted by paralysis and got extremely worried about his career. But his employer was highly considerate in providing him with all facilities, owing to which Guidry was enabled to continue rendering services for IBM. These facilities are inclusive of remote controls, electronic doors and customized rest rooms, amongst others. This gesture by IBM gains more relevance in light of the fact that, none of the then prevalent laws obligated the employers to be acting in this manner, in the given circumstances.” (4) Based on the points discussed in the previous paragraph, it can be conveniently stated that the cloud of “Discrimination against the disabled” indeed has a silver lining in the form of such humane gestures. It can be stated with certainty that there are quite a number of instances, where such a humanitarian approach has been adopted towards addressing the problems of the disabled and the handicapped. The overall relevant scenario is still against the interests of the disabled people. Yet, such on and off instances strongly suggest that the picture is not entirely gloomy, and that there is hope for positive transformation in the related state of affairs. There is another vital point worthy to be mentioned, in this context. The commitment and integrity displayed by the handicapped, in some noteworthy cases, are far greater than those of others who are striving in the same field. To elaborate further, as it is the disabled are bogged down by the relevant shortcomings. And hence they run the extra mile in making sure that success does not become an elusive thing for them. Owing to all that, these less privileged individuals of the populace do their utmost in ensuring that the aspects of dedication and sincerity are not compromised. To put it in brief, normal individuals are not bogged down by the need to do something other than ordinary for ensuring a secure life for them. On the contrary, the handicapped are compelled to start from a relatively disadvantageous point, and are thus obligated to work much harder. People Who Have Defied Disability “Helen Keller (1880-1968), the famous writer from America, lost her vision at the tender age of two, and yet was not disheartened. She acquired literary skills through Braille. She travelled almost the entire globe for furthering the cause of the disabled. Similarly, we also have Stephen Hawking, born in 1942, and whose success in the realm of physics is equated with that of Einstein. Stephen is in a very high position at Cambridge University, as a Mathematics professor holding the chair of Newton. This success of his is all the more relevant in light of the fact that, Stephen has been paralyzed and lost his speech owing to an incurable ailment. Even to this day, he manages to work normally despite being dependent on a wheelchair.” (5) Before they acquired the due recognition in their chosen realms, both Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking had to encounter countless tough situations – the situations that would have easily devastated the majority of people! These great individuals not just defeated all adversities, but were able to do so with a serene and tranquil mindset that had place even for humor, not to mention their ever-present positive outlook. (5) There are countless such instances where disability could not impede the growth and success of the afflicted persons. There are many cases where an individual without arms comes out with a magnificent painting, by using the mouth to hold the brush. The handicapped would be helping themselves immensely by deriving inspiration from the lives of all these people, whose achievements subtly state that disability is present just in mind of the person. Even those who consider handicapped persons as being inferior ones need to make a careful study of the lives of people such as Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking. Summary In this paper, an observation has been made on the ways in which the disabled are victims of discrimination, along with some examples. A brief study has been made also on the role being played by various institutions and technologies in betterment of the handicapped. The paper also included a section stating that, notwithstanding all forms of discrimination, there are cases where the disabled have been provided with humane support. Here, it has also been noted that when treated on par with others the disabled would be even outperforming the normal persons, in terms of display of dedication and integrity. This study focused on the way some people, deriving immense strength from their positive outlook, defied disabilities and displayed phenomenal success, too. Conclusion The subject covered in this paper is such a vast one that, the entire related aspects cannot be accommodated in a brief write-up such as this one. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made to at least focus on those points that are of utmost importance. Some instances from the contemporary scenario have also been covered in the paper, for providing a thorough understanding of the subject. It would be worthwhile to be concluding this paper by hoping that, owing to all the points discussed here, discrimination against the disabled would shortly be a thing of the past. SOURCES 1) “History of Discrimination Against Disabled Persons”, jackiebarrett.ca/DisabledDiscrimination1.htm, Internet, John “Jackie” Barrett, ND 2) TADJOURNAL”, technicalaidnsw.org.au/Services/Communications/tadjournal.php, Internet, George Winston Communications Service, January 2010. 3) “TADJOURNAL”, technicalaidnsw.org.au/Services/FreedomWheels/bikes.php, Internet, George Winston Communications Service, December 2009. 4) “Business services Industry”, findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5553/is_200008/ai_n22476105/, Internet, Job Discrimination Against Disabled People Still Invades the Workplace, Knight Rider/Tribune Business News, August 2000. 5) “Google Books”, books.google.co.in/books?id=CUNDl7nhNOEC&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=books+on+stephen+hawking+and+helen+keller&source=bl&ots=TnVH5fkPZo&sig=pv_xPi8H2HQvXUXd0BQTx_8YhMw&hl=en&ei=jg9fS-aMK4zY7AOp1azEDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CB0Q6A EwBg#v=onepage&q=books%20on%20stephen%20hawking%20and%20helen%20keller&f=false, Internet, Meeting Of Minds: Cooperative Writing, Discussion, and Research Activitie, Ann Bourman, N.D. 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