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Disabilities in the United States have been viewed as weak, sickly, or useless

At various points in the past, those with disabilities in the United States have been viewed as weak, sickly, or useless (Marini, 2017). They have been called “retarded,” “handicapped,” or “crippled (Chechik, 2019). Depending on your age and background, you may have observed or experienced such labels firsthand. Person-first language that is respectful and that puts an individual’s humanity at the forefront is largely the accepted practice, though some people with disabilities use identity-first language (e.g., autistic vs. person with autism).
Just as societal views and labels shift, the treatment of people with disabilities is similarly inconsistent, threatening rights and contributing to marginalization. Consider that being labeled with a disability can be simultaneously something to fight against because of stigma and to fight for because of the access that it grants to medical, financial, and educational services.
As you have seen, disability is a complex topic because it spans legal, cultural, social, psychological, and physical arenas. There is always more to know and incorporate into practice. For this Discussion, you view the faculty Voices of Diversity video on ability and disability and then conduct research on an idea or concept you would like to explore further.
References:
Chechik, S. (2019). What’s in a name? Power of labels in disability identity, societal perception. https://psych.wisc.edu/news/whats-in-a-name-power-of-labels-in-disability-identity-societal-perception/
Marini, I. (2017). The history of treatment toward people with disabilities. In I. Marini, N. Graf, & M. J. Millington (Eds.), Psychological aspects of disability: Insider perspectives and strategies for counselors (2nd ed., pp 3–32). Springer. https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-8063-6/part/part01/chapter/ch01
To prepare:
• View the Voices of Diversity: Ability and Disability video of Social Work faculty sharing their perspectives and experiences.
• Identify an idea, fact, or statement in the video that inspires you to learn more. Conduct research online or in the Walden Library and identify one professional or scholarly resource that furthers your understanding. Be prepared to share your findings with colleagues.
ASSIGNMENT BELOW
Write a post in which you:
• Analyze what you learned from the Voices of Diversity video regarding perspectives and experiences related to ability and disability. ( NOTE TRANSCRIPT FOR VOICE OF DIVERSITY VIDEO ATTACHED SEPERATELY.)
• Then, summarize your findings from at least one professional or scholarly resource focusing on themes of ability and disability.
• How do your findings apply to social work practice with clients with varying abilities?

Full Answer Section

Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: The video showcased individuals with disabilities as experts in their own experiences. They are advocating for themselves and their communities, seeking equal rights and opportunities. This emphasizes the importance of listening to and empowering individuals with disabilities to be active participants in their own care and in shaping social change.
The Need for Ongoing Learning: The faculty members emphasized the need for continued learning and understanding about disability. There is always more to discover, and it's essential to stay informed about current issues, research, and best practices.

Expanding Understanding: A Deeper Dive into Disability Studies

To further my understanding, I researched the concept of "Disability Studies" through the scholarly article "Disability Studies: A Framework for Interdisciplinary Approaches to Disability" by S.J. Mertens (2010). This article provided valuable insights:

Disability as a Social Construct: Disability Studies challenges the view of disability as solely a medical condition. It emphasizes the social, cultural, and political factors that create barriers and disadvantages for individuals with disabilities.
The Social Model of Disability: This model emphasizes that disability is not inherent in the individual but rather a consequence of societal structures and attitudes that limit participation and create barriers.
The Importance of Inclusion: Disability Studies advocates for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society, promoting full participation, equal opportunities, and accessibility.
Intersectionality and Diversity: It recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities, acknowledging the intersections of disability with other aspects of identity.

Applications to Social Work Practice:

These findings are directly applicable to social work practice with clients with varying abilities:

Empowerment and Self-Determination: Social workers need to empower clients with disabilities to advocate for themselves and participate in decision-making about their lives.
Systemic Perspective: Social workers must consider the social, economic, and political factors that create barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Culturally Sensitive Approaches: Recognize and address the unique needs and experiences of diverse populations with disabilities, acknowledging the intersectionality of their identities.
Advocacy and Social Justice: Social workers have a responsibility to advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and work to challenge societal inequalities.

Conclusion:

The Voices of Diversity video and my research in Disability Studies have significantly expanded my understanding of disability. I recognize that disability is a complex and multifaceted experience, shaped by social, cultural, and political factors. Social work practice requires a commitment to empathy, empowerment, and advocacy to support the full participation and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in society.

Sample Answer

Exploring the Nuances of Disability: A Reflection on Perspectives and Practice

The Voices of Diversity video on Ability and Disability was a powerful and thought-provoking experience. It highlighted the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the disability community. Several key themes resonated with me:

The Importance of Language: The video emphasized the significance of using person-first language, acknowledging individuals as people first and their disability as a characteristic. This underscores the need for respectful and sensitive communication in all interactions with individuals with disabilities.
Intersectional Identities: The faculty members shared how disability intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. This intersectionality can create unique challenges and barriers, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to support.