How Disability Policies Have Shifted over Time - Essay Example

Critically analyze how disability policies have shifted over time Insert Name Course, Class, Semester Institution Instructor Date Introduction Humanity is combated with an array of challenges some of which are trivial while others are not. Disability is among the intensely critical challenges that have dictated enormous strategies, time and thinking to combat. In the yester years, people who were allied as disabled faced rejection from the societal setting. Through the passage of time, humanity began taking note that, disabled persons are just like the rest only in possession of a deformity. Disability emanates from two probable causes which include; deformation when a child is formed in the mother’s womb or resonates from accidents during life. Whichever the case, disability is a situation where, an individual has a physical deformation that causes certain restraint. This implies that, a disabled person is limited to the scope of agendas or activities due to the disability. The meaning of health related condition is directly related to its name (Disability, 2000). In modern times, sectors intertwining with industries have depicted gradual transformation for the better. For instance, the technological sector has evolved enhancing the ease with which individuals undertake their duties. On the other hand, the medical field is no exception. Medical practitioners have been buried in books, and laboratories trying to alleviate sweeping health related conditions that have restricted patient’s life’s performance over the years. This has resonated to tremendous improvements in the health industry and, as a result, saved lives in their millions. To combat disability, the medical fraternity have partnered with the technological industry to develop certain devices that aid humanity with pure personal chores. For instance, there are aids that health the practitioners have developed to ensure that the deaf can hear. These modern developments have restored the sanity of the disabled in society and have necessitated reforms in the sector (Barnes & Mercer, 2003). The intention of this discussion is to delineate how the disabled as a fraction of humanity are accorded care both by government through enactment of policy shifts. In modern society, disability has been a subject of controversy in a range of platforms. This is because; there is an adamant force that seeks to transform the policies in place for the disabled. Governments in the past have been known to violate the right of the disabled undermining their capabilities, as well as abilities. The proponents to this ideology opine that, the various governments have discriminated the rights and privileges allied to humanity. For instance, the disabled have rights to be represented in the government as well as other institutions depicting a fair representation. Modern constitutions have sought to enact disability provisions that will ensure disabled individuals are accorded all rights and privileges. This is because; disability is a form of physical limitation, which does not affect the thinking capacity endowed to individuals. Nongovernmental organizations have been known to constantly argue that, the disabled in society need equal representation in both governmental institutions as well as private institutions. This is because; the post welfare issue revolving around disability has exhumed controversy among proponents and opponents (Workability II: solutions : people with disability in the open workplace : final report of the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability, 2005). Disability is deeply entrenched in the societal setting since as the population size increases, the percentage of the disabled increases. Social policy has to target all trivial matters in society and disability falls within these parameters. In Australia, as well as other nations around the world, disability has been a subject of concern, and it has elicited mixed reactions. The social policy enacted in Australia focuses on streamlining the perspective among citizens. Since time immemorial, citizens bear the mindset that, disabled persons are lesser persons. Evidently, in the less developed countries, the disabled are subjected to pervasive conditions that involve begging for their daily sustenance. This is because; the ancient societal setting is still entrenched in these formations causing unwarranted treatments among the disabled. On the other hand, the developed world’s have it that, the disabled need representations in power houses. The inculcation of disabled persons in society ensures that, the decision makers incorporate friendlier measures that will alleviate how the disabled are treated in society (User rights in disability services, 2007). The modern societal setting has overwhelmingly enacted the social policy to alleviate the standards of the disabled. The disabled are persons like any other, and once society appreciates their worthy contributions, the social policy will change. It is vital that, the social policy is in line with the needs of the surrounding society as they will conform to the earlier stipulations regulating general welfare of people. Tentative research indicates that, there is a tremendous wave seeking to level the needs of the disabled to those of other members of society. This entails enormous technological and medical effort together with relentless funding from the concerned parties. To meet the requirements of social policy, the deaf require hearing aids, the dumb need talking aids and the visually impaired need brail technology. This is because; for the alleviation of disability in society, the first step is to endow the impaired with medication and necessary technology to negate repurcations of the related disability (A stronger, fairer Australia, 2009). Among the key stakeholders bestowed the responsibility to qualm the impacts of disability, the government has the mandate enact, implement and maintain a workable social policy. First, the government through the legislative arm has the responsibility of formulating acceptable laws governing the rights of the disabled. This implies that, disabled persons more often than not call for specialized treatment. This is because; it would be illogical to require a disabled person to walk the same distance as a normal human being. It is inherent to note that, disability in its own measure takes a toll on humanity affecting an individual in a different way. For social policy to work efficiently, it is fundamental for the legislative arm of government to enact an open policy that will suit the different disabilities among a populace. Legislation is the first step to adoption of social policy bearing in mind that, the constitution is the supreme law of the land and hence it confers the rights and powers to the disabled fraternity. Secondly, the government is the finance controller in any economy. Any endeavor whatsoever requires funds although varies according to the needs of the initiative. The disabled fraternity has an array of medical needs, which call for financial support. In most instances, the disabled in society lack a reliable source of finance implying that they solely rely on family members or well wishers. In essence, alleviation of the disabled necessitates the government’s commitment to fund the initiative through various avenues. The government has the responsibility of training a reliable team of doctors that can combat the prevalent needs of the disabled. Secondly, there is a need to construct unique facilities where disabled persons are trained to ensure that they get a boost to their shuttered self esteem. This entails counseling the disabled persons and ensuring them that they are endowed with the ability to deliver services just like other human beings. The government also has to partner with technological firms funding their research and exploration endeavors to develop sophisticated tools that will meet the needs of the disabled (Employment of people with disability in the APS, 2006). There are many social issues in the modern societal setting. This is because; as humanity increases in population size, the societal settings are expanding hosting triple the size present a decade ago. The eminent effect emanating from an increase in population size revolves around the emergence of unwarranted social issues. It is notable that, there are social issues that cross paths with the disabled. For instance, the issue revolving around political representation by the disabled has elicited heated debate from various quarters. In addition, opposers of the disabled social policy argue that, it would be illogical for profit making organization to recruit disabled personnel were there is an overwhelming number of physically able potential human capital. The issue of the disabled contravenes other societal norms that had been entrenched by the traditional mindset. This implies that, empowering the disabled to join politics, business frameworks and other endeavors contrive the framework and beliefs entrenched in certain societies. This is depicted by the fact that, the less developed nations have tight allegiance to their traditions and also depict discriminatory tendencies towards the disables. Governments of the day need not only enact workable policies but has the mandate to fund the disability related projects. Research indicates that, humanitarian organizations commonly known as the nongovernmental organizations have played a significant role in revitalizing the needs of the disabled. As indicated above, ancient practices did not acknowledge the disabled fraternity as some communities believed that disability is a curse. To move away from such beliefs, the humanitarian organizations have played a significant part in educating communities that disability at birth emanates from biological malfunctions and has no connections whatsoever with curses. The non governmental agencies are thus the forefront campaigners for leveled privileges regardless of the abilities bestowed on different individuals regardless of physical capabilities. In addition, the non governmental agencies have been deeply involved in alleviating the needs of the disabled mainly through education and self esteem rejuvenation. This has had an immense impact on the disabled as well as the normal individuals sending a challenging message to both parties (A fair go for everyone: a disability policy for Western Australia in plain English, 2002). The key stakeholders to this social policy would include, the disabled themselves, the humanitarian organizations, the medical practitioners and the technological fraternity. Each stakeholder has a role and significance in the alleviation of disabled in society. The disabled fraternity needs a change of mentality in line with the modern dynamics that rock day to day operations. The disabled individuals need to have a positive mindset and believe that mere disability is not inability hence they should be resilient to prosperity. On the other hand, the humanitarian organizations represent the families and friends of the disabled. These parties are vital as they offer moral support to the disabled providing a strong base to develop formidable advancements into the future. It goes without say that, medical practitioners play a extremely crucial role in advancing the social policy. This is because; doctors have the responsibility to diagnose the disabled individual and spearhead research into a possible solution. Research involves breathtaking exercises that will call for numerous experiments before a solution is finally found. Doctors and researchers more often than not work hand in hand with the technological experts who provide remarkable developments and solutions (Quinn, & McDonagh, 2003). History Disability dates way back to the formation of humanity. This implies that, there have been disabled persons ever since the emergence of humanity. Ancient studies depict that, the traditional societal setting did not have room for disabled. Some communities associated disability with witchcraft while other opined that it was a connotation of curses. However, modern scholars have attributed the ancient mindset to lack of enough educational information. Biological studies have proved that, disability is a result of malfunctions in the human body during fetus formation in the womb between conception to birth. Disabled persons have received discriminatory practices over the years up until humanitarian organizations declared it unfit to treat the disabled like lesser persons. The policy to address this menace was first enacted in the United states and other developed nations soon followed suit. The social policy targets empowering the disabled in society to alleviate their lives and to disseminate information that disability does not amount to inability. Dynamics and changes are prevalent in various endeavors facing the world today. The social policy on empowering the disabled was no exception. Since its inception, the social policy has undergone numerous changes are resolutions all aimed at enhancing the lives of the disabled. The notable changes include; creating a new provision in the constitution that allows the disabled to be represented in parliament. This clause resonated to heated debates and controversial arguments emanating from various quarters. However, since the constitution is the supreme law in any country, the disabled now have the ability of being represented in parliament by one of their own. The changes are as a result of sufficient information dispatched to the relevant stakeholders causing sufficient enlightenment. In addition, the stakeholders have initiated vigorous campaigns seeking to empower the disabled fraternity. It is worth noting that, rural groups more so in underdeveloped nations still perceive disability as the inability (Wen, 2008). Challenges Any endeavor undertaken by humanity, however, noble is prone to vehement challenges. Empowering disability is a noble cause to some while to other who seeks to conform to diabolical traditions; disability is a curse or an indication of unwarranted life. Traditional mindset as denoted is the first hindrance to the successful enactment of disability empowerment. Education and training have been adopted as the key mechanism that penetrates all social conformations enlightening the societal settings on why, how to empower the disabled. In addition, empowering disability is not any regular task. It requires a devoted workforce that is determined to produce results amidst the prevalent challenges. Staff turnover and aging are another challenge facing the social policy. On the other hand, the social policy is not yet deep-rooted. This implies that there are limited service providers hence the service does not reach out to all affected individuals (Investing in ability: a guide to understanding, evaluating and reducing the impact of injury, illness or disability in the workplace, 2001). In conclusion, it is worthwhile to note that, in the midst of the challenges, it is prudent to note that, the social policy has not only enlightened society but also alleviated the living standards of the disabled. Combating disability is a worthy cause, and if all stakeholders soldier on with a spirited mind set, disability will be a thing of the past in the foreseeable future. References A fair go for everyone: a disability policy for Western Australia in plain English. (Plain English version. ed.). (2002). Perth, W.A.: Bureau for Disability Services. A stronger, fairer Australia. (2009). Canberra: Social Inclusion Unit, Dept. of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Barnes, C., & Mercer, G. (2003). Disability. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press ;. Disability. (2000). Dublin: Barnardos - National Children's Resource Centre. Employment of people with disability in the APS. (2006). Canberra: Management Advisory Committee. Investing in ability: a guide to understanding, evaluating and reducing the impact of injury, illness or disability in the workplace.. (2001). Canberra: Centrelink. Quinn, G., & McDonagh, M. (2003). Disability discrimination law in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Dublin: Oak Tree Press in association with the National Rehabilitation Board. User rights in disability services. (2007). Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. Wen, X. (2008). Disability in Australia: intellectual disability. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Workability II: solutions : people with disability in the open workplace : final report of the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability. (2005). Sydney, N.S.W.: The Commission. Read More

For instance, the disabled have rights to be represented in the government as well as other institutions depicting a fair representation. Modern constitutions have sought to enact disability provisions that will ensure disabled individuals are accorded all rights and privileges. This is because; disability is a form of physical limitation, which does not affect the thinking capacity endowed to individuals. Nongovernmental organizations have been known to constantly argue that, the disabled in society need equal representation in both governmental institutions as well as private institutions.

This is because; the post welfare issue revolving around disability has exhumed controversy among proponents and opponents (Workability II: solutions : people with disability in the open workplace : final report of the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability, 2005). Disability is deeply entrenched in the societal setting since as the population size increases, the percentage of the disabled increases. Social policy has to target all trivial matters in society and disability falls within these parameters.

In Australia, as well as other nations around the world, disability has been a subject of concern, and it has elicited mixed reactions. The social policy enacted in Australia focuses on streamlining the perspective among citizens. Since time immemorial, citizens bear the mindset that, disabled persons are lesser persons. Evidently, in the less developed countries, the disabled are subjected to pervasive conditions that involve begging for their daily sustenance. This is because; the ancient societal setting is still entrenched in these formations causing unwarranted treatments among the disabled.

On the other hand, the developed world’s have it that, the disabled need representations in power houses. The inculcation of disabled persons in society ensures that, the decision makers incorporate friendlier measures that will alleviate how the disabled are treated in society (User rights in disability services, 2007). The modern societal setting has overwhelmingly enacted the social policy to alleviate the standards of the disabled. The disabled are persons like any other, and once society appreciates their worthy contributions, the social policy will change.

It is vital that, the social policy is in line with the needs of the surrounding society as they will conform to the earlier stipulations regulating general welfare of people. Tentative research indicates that, there is a tremendous wave seeking to level the needs of the disabled to those of other members of society. This entails enormous technological and medical effort together with relentless funding from the concerned parties. To meet the requirements of social policy, the deaf require hearing aids, the dumb need talking aids and the visually impaired need brail technology.

This is because; for the alleviation of disability in society, the first step is to endow the impaired with medication and necessary technology to negate repurcations of the related disability (A stronger, fairer Australia, 2009). Among the key stakeholders bestowed the responsibility to qualm the impacts of disability, the government has the mandate enact, implement and maintain a workable social policy. First, the government through the legislative arm has the responsibility of formulating acceptable laws governing the rights of the disabled.

This implies that, disabled persons more often than not call for specialized treatment. This is because; it would be illogical to require a disabled person to walk the same distance as a normal human being. It is inherent to note that, disability in its own measure takes a toll on humanity affecting an individual in a different way. For social policy to work efficiently, it is fundamental for the legislative arm of government to enact an open policy that will suit the different disabilities among a populace.

Legislation is the first step to adoption of social policy bearing in mind that, the constitution is the supreme law of the land and hence it confers the rights and powers to the disabled fraternity.

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