Verified Document

Disability Essay

Wendell (1996) wrote an article to explore the idea of disability, which is a common issue in the modern society. Disability has generally been utilized to refer to people with certain deformities and inability to function like normal human beings. This general definition has in turn been utilized to create the category “people with disabilities”, which is erroneously based on the perception that disabled people are similar in various major ways. The article examines the concept of disability across different dimensions including the definition of disability, purposes of such definitions, disability identity, and politics of disability identity. One of the ideas emerging from this article is that existing definitions of disability are very narrow and do not incorporate the broad spectrum of issues and experiences of disabled people. Wendell (1996) suggests that definition of disability is influenced by the person/entity defining disability and their objectives in doing so. Therefore, people do not define disability as they ought to, but look at it based on their own perspectives and desires/purposes. I concur with the suggestion that existing definitions and understanding of disability are skewed and subjective. Disability is usually understood on the basis of the individual defining the concept rather than the issues and experiences...

For instance, most of the existing definitions and understanding of disability are simply based on functional impairments, which may not necessarily be the entire reflection of disability. While medical orientation has also been utilized to define and understand disability, our understanding of this issue is largely based on functional impairments (Hahn, 2016). Even though functional impairment constitutes a significant part of disability, limiting its definition to these impairments is erroneous and sometimes contribute to unsuitable treatment of disabled people.
In my opinion, the use of functional impairment as the basis for defining disability has contributed to unsuitable treatment and consideration of disabled people. First, this idea has resulted in the integration of an economic approach and vocational abilities when attempting to define disability. In this case, disability is primarily understood on the basis of what an individual can do and the economic benefits he/she derives from it. This is an erroneous view of disability because some conditions have no link to economic input/benefits and vocational abilities. Secondly, the use of functional impairment as the basis for determining disability has generated the idea that disability is always visible. As Wendell (1996) correctly points out, individuals…

Sources used in this document:

References

Hahn, H. (2016). Toward a Politics of Disability: Definitions, Disciplines, and Policies. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.independentliving.org/docs4/hahn2.html

Wendell, S. (1996). Who is Disabled? Defining Disability. In The rejected body: Feminist philosophical reflections on disability (chap.1, pp.23-33). New York: Routledge.

Zeilinger, J. (2015, July 7). 6 Forms of Ableism We Need to Retire Immediately. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://mic.com/articles/121653/6-forms-of-ableism-we-need-to-retire-immediately#.g9rfCzkDR


Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Disability and Society in Scotland UK
Words: 3225 Length: 9 Document Type: Essay

Disability and Society in Scotland, UK Analysis of theoretical Perspectives on Disability in Scotland Corbett (1991) is of the opinion that the idea of 'normality' that is present in the British culture has a contradiction. He says that it generally creates a fear of being different, while at the same time laying great stress on retaining ones individuality. To achieve this individuality people try to stand out in different areas of life

Disabilities Students With Reading Disabilities
Words: 2217 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

This is particularly true for students with learning disabilities. Secondary students' reading performance reaches a plateau during their high school years, and it is clear that the performance gap between their abilities and what they are expected to do widens (Mock, 2003). Adolescents who lack basic literacy skills need intensive, focused, sustained instruction to help them catch up with their peers. Conclusion Reading disabilities are life long; however, the effects may

Disability What Are Some Cultural
Words: 1152 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

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

Disability the Americans With Disabilities
Words: 1759 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Disability1 Rights Activists Demand that MDA. Retrieved September 16, 2005 from http://www.cripcommentary.com/demands.html This page lists the demands from the Disability Rights Activists upon the MDA concerning the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. Disability Rights Movement. Retrieved September 16, 2005 at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_rights_movement This Web site describes a brief history of the disability rights movement within the United States. Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act. Retrieved September 16, 2005 from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity

Disability Learning Disabilities and Other
Words: 632 Length: 2 Document Type: Thesis

Distance learning education provides a wide range of resources and learning experiences that are usually much more diverse than the traditional brick and mortar classroom can furnish. This makes this mode of learning more adaptable to a variety of needs by different learner. The next article by Edmond addresses the requirements and standards that need to be met in order to provide adequate access to traditional educational environment for those

Disability the Story "The Village Watchman" by
Words: 1659 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

Disability The story "The Village Watchman" by Terry Tempest Williams and the film "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" both depict families which include someone with developmental disability. In Williams' autobiographical story, it is the author's uncle, Alan, who is described as "special" because his "brain was denied oxygen" during a "breech" birth. In Lasse Hallstrom's film, it is Gilbert Grape's brother Arnie, played by Leonardo di Caprio, whose developmental disability is never

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now