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Disability: Whose Handicap
Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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March 14, 2017
I picked up this book after reading "Neurotribes." This book expands on many of the themes in that book, but past the scope of autism.
I hadn't realized how people with disabilities don't get the level of awareness that other minority groups recieve. Are they not "sexy" enough? Something to think about.
The main premise of the book, as made clear by the title, is that disability isn't only a handicap for the disabled; it's a handicap for us. We have severely limited the level of understanding in our society.
(1) People with disabilities don't lead tragic lives. Neither are they completely "wonderful" for overcoming and living with their disabilites. People with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives, but not devoid of problems, just like everyone else.
(2) The system of benefits in many countries are focused on those who can "contribute" to society-- those that could get a job if certain accomodations were in place. But some of the people who need the most help can't "contribute" in the sense required. They might be completely homebound, and they aren't getting the services they need.
(3) The disabled can be very much affected by the assumptions of uselessness regarding their condition. I particularly liked this quote from Paul Hunt, a man with muscular dystrophy:
"[We] are deeply affected by the assumptions of our uselessness which surround us. But it is vital that we should not accept this devaluation of ourselves, yearning only to be able to earn our livings and thus prove our worth. We do not have to prove anything. IF we have a basic willingness to contribute to the community, yet cannot do an ordinary job, we may certainly contribute in less obvious ways... Our freedom from the competitive trappings that accompany work in our society may give us the opportunity to demonstrate its essential elements. Also we can act as a symbol for the pre-eminent claims of non-utilitarian values, a visible challenge to anyone who treats his job as a final end in itself... At the ultimate point, we may only be able to suffer, to be passive through complete physical inability. Those who lead active lives are perhaps especially inclined to ignore man's need to accept passivity in relation to so many forces beyond his control. They may need reminding sometimes fo our finiteness, our feminine side in the hands of fate or providence. We are well placed to do this job at least."
I hadn't realized how people with disabilities don't get the level of awareness that other minority groups recieve. Are they not "sexy" enough? Something to think about.
The main premise of the book, as made clear by the title, is that disability isn't only a handicap for the disabled; it's a handicap for us. We have severely limited the level of understanding in our society.
(1) People with disabilities don't lead tragic lives. Neither are they completely "wonderful" for overcoming and living with their disabilites. People with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives, but not devoid of problems, just like everyone else.
(2) The system of benefits in many countries are focused on those who can "contribute" to society-- those that could get a job if certain accomodations were in place. But some of the people who need the most help can't "contribute" in the sense required. They might be completely homebound, and they aren't getting the services they need.
(3) The disabled can be very much affected by the assumptions of uselessness regarding their condition. I particularly liked this quote from Paul Hunt, a man with muscular dystrophy:
"[We] are deeply affected by the assumptions of our uselessness which surround us. But it is vital that we should not accept this devaluation of ourselves, yearning only to be able to earn our livings and thus prove our worth. We do not have to prove anything. IF we have a basic willingness to contribute to the community, yet cannot do an ordinary job, we may certainly contribute in less obvious ways... Our freedom from the competitive trappings that accompany work in our society may give us the opportunity to demonstrate its essential elements. Also we can act as a symbol for the pre-eminent claims of non-utilitarian values, a visible challenge to anyone who treats his job as a final end in itself... At the ultimate point, we may only be able to suffer, to be passive through complete physical inability. Those who lead active lives are perhaps especially inclined to ignore man's need to accept passivity in relation to so many forces beyond his control. They may need reminding sometimes fo our finiteness, our feminine side in the hands of fate or providence. We are well placed to do this job at least."
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