Let’s talk about disability awareness By Paulin Tan
WHAT USE IS IT BEING AWARE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IF THERE IS NO PROACTIVE ACTION TO COMBAT THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE IN AN ABLEIST WORLD? People with a disability are a prominent minority group in society whose struggles need to be addressed. The election of US President-elect Joe Biden is a win for the Democrats, a win for America and a win for people with a disability. Why is a victory for Joe Biden so significant? The elected president-elect grew up with a disability, a stutter. His election is an example of overcoming the challenges of having a disability whilst living in a world designed for those without a disability, specifically a middle-aged white man.
Illustration by Rachana Udaya Kumar
WHAT IS THE DISABILITY CULTURE? The community of people with a disability are often referred to by words such as “crippled”, “impaired”, “limited” and even “invalid”. These terms have been used throughout history, encapsulating society’s sentiments towards people with a disability at that time. Using the words to describe disability culture is a relatively new concept that is still contested today. By recognising disability culture and it’s differences and strength, it will be able to provide people with different abilities an opportunity to pursue their own goals and shared goals. People with a disability are enormously diverse in their abilities and their histories. However, the simple question is whether the disability of an individual is a reason for division and separation, or whether the unique skills of the individual are to be harnessed, and of cause for recognition and celebration. The most significant barrier for people with disabilities is other people. Disability Awareness means educating people about disabilties and giving people sufficient knowledge to reverse this barrier. Disability discrimination is unlawful, just scratching the surface with extensive proactive action needed to mitigate unjust environments.
WHAT IS PROACTIVE ACTION FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY? It is essential to understand that people with a disability are just people of the human race with different abilities. Different abilities mean that they learn differently. When this straightforward concept is understood, people with disabilities can also flourish in society’s current system. US president-elect Joe Biden understands this concept and is able to learn and excel now in the position in which he is the president of the most powerful country in the world in terms of military might but also politically having a strong power over the world. Disability education brings these challenges and these attitudes to the surface, where they can be examined consciously. It shouldn’t be surprising that despite the best of intentions, people with disabilities that participate in inclusion programs still continue to feel left out. Society has many changes to make so that there is an even playing field for people with differences. Diversity should be cultivated as it can be a factor of success if done right.
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