Disability and Education Disabled People Essay

Legal definition: * â€Å"The term â€Å"disabled person† means any person unable to ensure by himself or herself, wholly or partly, the necessities of a normal individual and/or social life, as a result of deficiency, either congenital or not, in his or her physical or mental capabilities†. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 * â€Å"A condition that in some way hampers or hinders a person in terms of their ability to carry out day to day activities†¦general range of disabilities varies from conditions that are mild (for example, the need to wear reading glasses) to severe (for example, some forms of brain injury).† Parliament of Australia, Parliamentary Library, Social Definitions: * A disabled person is someone who is not able to do things that â€Å"normal† people can do. They have limited capabilities, which restrict the way they live their life. * According to ABS, in 2003, New South Wales had 591800 males and 598800 females that were reported with a disability whether it is severe, moderate or mild. Characteristics Mobility problems or Wheelchair bound Sensory (blind, deaf, mute), intellectual, physical or psychological disability Temporary or Permanent disability May have personal carer Uses specialised equipment to assist with basic duties eg. Elevators, ramps and disabled parking etc. Specific needs (in priority order) Health-As a disabled person they are inclined to have more frequent trips to the local doctors/hospitals depending on their disability. Some disabilities may need medication to keep well and therefore may need adequate and affordable medication costs. Access to services-Disabled people needs access to services such as doctors, facilities, support services and other requires facilities. As a disabled person you want to have the right to access services as they gain more independence. For example a person wheelchair, they may need a car that is wheelchair accessible. Financial support- Most disabled people need ongoing support and treatment from local care centres they can be very money consuming, depending on the severity of the disability. E.g. a quadriplegic is unable to work and cannot financial support themselves and rely heavily on government funding and family income Self esteem- Disabled people are normal people and should be treated no differently. But usually a disabled person self esteem is allot lower than an able person as they feel they fit in society as they do things differently to able people. But disabled people within society are encouraged and treated as though they are normal so they don’t feel alienates or they don’t feel they belong. Sense of identity – It is important that disabled people know that they should be themselves and not treated any differently. If a disabled person feels they don’t fit in, they may try to change who they are and act like someone they aren’t. Safety and security-Safety and security are a need that is required by the disabled on account of their emotional wellbeing. Without their sense of safety and security the emotional wellbeing of the disabled person will be quite short because they feel quite weak to the other members in society. If the disabled person is in secure and safe environment and atmosphere they will grow in confidence and be more active in the community. Housing – Housing is a important need for the disabled community because without shelter and protection they are unable to recover sooner. It is important as well that a disabled person has modifications to their household to allow ease in movement and to apply assistance when they are alone which allows the disabled person to be more independent and confident. Education-Education is needed for the disabled community to ensure that they have knowledge about their disability. The earlier they are educated the greater time there is to enhance their physical and intellectual skills. Without the source of education they will be unable to exist in the communities and feel lost therefore isolate them. With education disabled people will improve their skills and find their place in society. It may be needed that disabled children will have to attend specialised school to suit their condition Employment- For the disabled it is a struggle to get secure and permanent work. This is because they are incapable of doing certain activities, which may be required of them when working, in saying this employer may find that there are other people that will suit the job better and reject their application to work. Equal chance of employment is a need for the disabled because they can gain money to assist with paying their specialised equipment and basic needs. Government policies and regulations The disabled is a group in society with are more likely more disadvantaged and less fortunate that other members within society, Government policies and regulations have be brought up in order to assist them in feeling apart of communities and less discrimination towards them this also helps them to enhance their independence and rights. Some of these following government policies and regulations show that they are unable to be discriminated against and have the same rights as any other individual. Disability Discrimination Act 1988-Businesses are obliged to cater for the disabled by providing disability facilities such as wheelchair ramps, hand rails along stairways, disabled toilets and lifts. Disability Discrimination Act 1992 –Protects against discrimination due to a disability, diseases or illnesses. The same opportunities must be available to all when accessing services. They gains rights to accommodation, employment, education The Disability Services Act 1986 (Cth)-Legalizes Federal Government funding of States and appropriate organisations in relation to the terms of disability employment services and other adequate and still suitable services. The Disability Services Act 1993 (NSW)-Legalises the funding of qualified organisations to provide disability services and regulates NSW Government provision of disability services. NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) –10 Disability Services have adopted standards to assist service providers to meet these objects, principles and applications of principles. This supports disabled people with services such as Post School Program, Accommodation, Community Support Teams and also Respite Care. The Community Services (Complaints, Appeals and Monitoring) Act 1993 (NSW)-Talks on the NSW Ombudsman general functions in relation to monitoring and review of disability services and it allow complaints regarding disability services to be made to the Ombudsman. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986-A person is qualified for the Disability Support Pension if their disability, whether it be physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment, stops them from working. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities- Having the right to education, sufficient standard of living, employment and standard of health. Community responsibilities As a community they have the responsibility to make disabled people feel welcomed, accepted and ad though they are no different to an able person within society. It is considered as a respectable action for the community to support the disabled people within their community and encourage them with their involvement in society, so that they feel they are no different. Within communities there are a few charities that recognize disabled people and as a community they try to raise money to help fund the disabled, so they can have the best possible living. For example raising money to help them adjust their way of living, e.g. housing or community. Also the council and RTA provide access to buildings with things such as putting in ramps, elevators and disabled parking, which shows how communities are taking the responsibility for disabled people within their community. Other ways communities can take responsibility to raise awareness it encourage all communities to not discriminate against disabled people, they can also help create a supportive environment for the disabled people within the group/ community Rights of the group Disabled people are significantly disadvantaged in society, but yet they are still human and they still have rights of their own. Usually the rights to disabled people they right are very similar to any individual within society and have equal rights, its just that due to some of their condidtion that have specific need that assist them to becoming part of their community, for example have ramps to access specific places. Disabled people have a right to: * Be employed and educated without being discriminated against their condition * Have housing and accommodation that allows them to feel safe and secure and additionally move with ease regardless of their disability * Gain respect and dignity, especially to be protected against discrimination * Have assistance from carers, nurses, friends and people so that they are able to help them care for themselves * Have access financial assistance. For example: Centrelink or other supporting government policies and pensions. * Have medical assistance giving them the professional and specialised treatment for their condition. * The same rights as people who don’t have a disability so that they are able to live life as normally as possible Access to resources The disabled have many factors, which can affect their access to resources. The three main factors include disability, socioeconomic status, location and also education; all these factors can have a positive and negative impact on the disabled person’s well-being. Disability- Disabled people are usually on pensions and are financially supported. The one main problem that disabled people have is their accessibility to transport systems as their is less disabled people to able people. But yet they are trying to help make accessibility for disabled people more know as they have started including wheelchair buses, wheel chair taxis and disabled parking for the some types of disabilities they are unable to walk for extensive amounts of time and putting the disabled parking as close as possible helps the disabled accessibility to services/groups better. Socioeconomic status- As disabled people they usually have a lower income as they are also paying for other specific needs that able people don’t have. Many disabled people rely on their family’s income and also the government. They rely on the government for payments from centre link and pensions. Many people do not have access to private health insurance rely on the funding of centrelink. Location- depending on the location you have as a disabled person the access to resources is very much so dependent on your location. See rural communities don’t have many support services as they are usually over a large area and accessing services there is already hard enough for them. And within urban areas they have ramps, rails and disabled parking to help disabled people access service/ resources, unlike rural area which are limited. Education- education for disabled people is very dependent on the severity of the disability. See if you as a disabled person don’t know how serve your disability is you are unable to know what needs to be done. As a disabled person you need to know exactly what your disability is and how it can be treated. Diagnosing the problem is a lot easier due to the education in technology and the communication is improved due to internet and mobiles. Societal attitudes towards the group Society has many different views and perceptions when it comes to recognizing the disabled community. Disabled people are looked upon as weak physically, mentally and are sympathised by society. Some groups in society are all for disabled people and want to support them and intend to help them live a ‘normal’ life as much as possible as they can feel they are mp different to any able person. On the other hand others feel that disabled people are extremely disgusting and should not be seen until cured. Little do these people who look down upon disability by doing this they are isolating them from society and they are affecting them emotionally but discriminating against them they are lowering the confidence in believing they are ‘normal human beings’. Members in society may find that disabled people are extremely disadvantaged as they are vulnerable and dependant on the carers that assists them with help with basic duties and responsibilities. These carers dedicate the time and energy to give their up most energy and care for the disabled people. Sometimes/Most of the time their carers are usually their relatives or friends. Furthermore the carer is there to assist to fulfil the basic needs and capabilities that a disabled person may not be able to do, for example preparing food/ feeding themselves, walking, showering ect. As they are unable to do a wide range of ‘normal’ functions. Society perceives the disabled as to be less privileged. Another type of attitude and perception society may have with the disabled is the idea that the they are considered to be classified as a lower class because they have no ability to perform basic skills and attitudes due to their type of condition. Also disabled people are given names labels for example ‘crippled’, ‘handicapped’ and ‘invalids’. Labels like these cause society to have a negative perception on the disabled community and its also a stereotype of how disabled people are, and they don’t taking into the consideration that not all people are extremely/severely disabled. Society feels they must pity and sympathise the disabled people as they are given charities from the generous people who feel sorry for them. Disabled people do not want to feel like that are any different to a normal human being but society without know excludes them but putting them in the spot light the complete opposite and pushing them aside because they are ‘Crippled’. Issues of concern for the Disabled As a disabled person concerns of the group are feeling safe and secure within their community, belonging, and self-esteem. It is greatly concerned as it creates negative mind sets and can cause other illnesses. Other concerns are things such as; * Discrimination toward the disabled. Discriminatory acts towards disabled people can be a large concern to the group as they can be pushed aside and their self esteem will decrease and can make them feel ‘not normal’. * The way they are seen within society. This is a major concern as the disabled community have equal rights to any able person. The way disable people are seen is very important as educating people to not discriminate is also vital. * Their environment. This is a major concern to not the able people of the community but the disable people within it, for the very reason the environment in different ways is important to the disable as they may need things such as; ramps, rails, elevators or things such as a supportive environment, support services ect. * How they feel is a big concern as they also are the same as normal human beings are have lower esteems as they feel different and excluded from society because of their disabilities Conflict between the group and community interests When the needs of a disabled person are not met, this can begin conflict to occur within the community. Disabled people are discriminated, as to society they are not seen as ‘normal’ but instead are ‘invalid’ and just a waste of space. Employment- If a disabled person is always off work, they may be asked to quit so they can take care of themselves. Some employers discriminate against disabled people and do not hire them; however, under the Disability discrimination act (1995), an employer cannot fire or not employ someone because they are disabled. Employers are to treat a disabled employee like they would treat the other employees. Self esteem- When in public, many people stare at someone who is disabled. A disabled person can feel embarrassed or upset as they feel they are an outcast to the society, as they don’t fir in the ‘normal’ people. This can cause low self esteem, especially if you are temporarily disabled. If you have any hope at recovering, you may feel you’re not worth continuing on in life. Safety and security- Some people see disabled people as easy targets to abuse, as they cannot run, scream or see the attacker. They are vulnerable and can easy be abused by someone they know or even when alone in public. It is important that someone who is disabled feels as though they are independent and if they feel they are at risk to tell someone they trust. Power within the group and the community Disabled people within society are seen as not as important but the disabled community have tried to get their name out they create fundraising within their community to raise awareness and to get others educated about disabilities. The disabled offer to the community by; * They show how lucky people are and how great their ways are living are compared to some disabled people who cannot do day to day things. * They create a sense of community.   * It creates perspective in communities as it can open up people eyes to how disabled people really are. Positive contributions the group makes to the community Disabled people despite their disadvantages they are able to bring positive contributions in society as well. These positive contributions could be; contributing to the workforce and educating other on the lifestyle of their own lives and how disabled people live. Contributions like these allow the wider community understand the perspectives of disabled people and how they go about life. Another contribution that is positive on the community is it the disability within the community improve the technology and medication in the general community. Other ways that disabled people contribute to a positive community is that it shows people how to accept them for who they are and not for what is wrong with them or how they look. Extent to which community service groups assist in meeting the need of the disabled Here are some examples which propose modifications in the social community which aims to facilitate the satisfaction of the disabled community’s needs: * On the central coast they have bowling nights for the disabled. This allows the wider community and groups to get together and have some fun and met other people who also have disabilities. This can create supportive environments for the disabled as they can feel that they are not the only one and they can discuss their disabilities with one another. * Services such as personal care and cleaning services for those who are not mobile and cannot do it themselves, This helps the disabled feel like they do not have to worry about the harder basic needs that they find difficult. * Internet allows people to shop at home. This service is provided for those who cannot get around on their own. Order and pay online and your shopping items are delivered to your door. * Services such as online universities or libraries which gives the opportunity for the non- mobile but they can sit at home and do their uni or read a book without leaving their homes. * Some universities provide for disabled people by providing cart and wheelchairs to get around the campuses. Management strategies to address equity issues faced by the group * As a community the disabled feel they are treated unfairly and are treated differently due to the difference and inability to follow day to day norms. By resolving this they must unjust the treatment management strategies must be make to address these issues faced by the disabled. * The Society have come up with labels for the disabled such as handicap, cripple, retarred which refers to ‘their type’. Often they are used as insults. The general public have changed their perception on disability but still there are some narrow minded people who don’t pay attention to the needs of the disabled community. A way of resolving this is by creating an event such as the Pink Ribbon Day and other things such as Daffodil Day, which try to celebrate and sponsor the disabled community and try to create spread awareness of their issues and try to make people become open minded to their problems. * In the health services, people with disabilities are discriminated against as they are generally on a much lower income, due to this they are unable to afford private health care/ private health insurance and are usually put on waiting lists for problems they may have. If a disabled person is in need of medication and are unable to afford it this could cause them to have a poorer wellbeing. To assist them the government should reduce the cost of private health cover and reduce the of mediation to allow the disabled people to have easier access to them * Some disabled people are physically disabled and therefore need to modify their house. This can be extremely expensive and if the disabled people are not working have to rely on pensions or funding from the government. They may need to modify the houses to be more accessible at they may be wheelchair bound. As disabled people are not as capable to do all the house work and daily jobs they can hire someone to help them. The government should make more services available to the disabled who struggle to leave their homes and they should also reduce the funding to modify housing costs. Bibliography * Legislation. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1992.† DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1992. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Disability Support Pension.† Disability Support Pension. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Disability and Community Care.† Department of Communities (Queensland Government). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Disabilities.† Disabilities. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Australia.gov.au.† People with Disabilities -. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. http://australia.gov.au/people/people-with-disabilities * â€Å"International Day of People with Disability.† International Day of People with Disability. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Thank You ForYour Support.† Daffodil Day. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . * â€Å"Have a Girls’ Night In,to Help the Girls out.† I Heart Pink. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. .