Too often, one’s disability often leads the nondisabled community to view disabled individuals as different. This categorization focuses on the individual’s disability rather than other qualities, equating the person with their disability and ignoring the many positive aspects of their being. Such perceptions affect the well-being of disabled people and society’s moral values. Negative attitudes lead to social exclusion, while positive attitudes promote inclusion.
If an individual is struggling physically due to specific environmental factors or engaging in maladaptive behaviors, the casual observer may form an opinion based on that one observation that feeds into already pre-conceived beliefs of an entire population as if that one moment defines an entire group.
Having lived overseas and traveled extensively over the years, I have observed that American society often approaches integration differently compared to some other societies. For instance, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the focus on disability rights and inclusion is deeply integrated into policy development to achieve true integration. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has developed the “Disability, Inclusion and Rights Strategy” as an essential component of how the government perceives and acts on behalf of its citizens with disabilities. The FCDO’s mission emphasizes that all individuals with disabilities, including marginalized and under-represented groups, are meaningfully engaged, empowered, and able to exercise and enjoy their full rights and freedoms on an equal basis with others, free from discrimination throughout their lives. These individuals are considered full and active members of society and decision-makers in all aspects of life, including diplomatic and development efforts. By incorporating this vision into words and action as part of society’s role real change can take place.
In the United States there are many organizations that lobby for change for groups such as seniors or gun owners but very little political organization for individuals with disabilities. Perhaps it is the sheer size of our country or the fragmented approach to how we manage services for the disabled, but it is clear that there is no unifying vision for this underserved population who deserve to be seen and included as integral and equal members of society.
Until we as a larger society can realize the importance of all humans as integral and contributing members of society, and develop a unified approach to change, we must develop and incorporate strategies that can be implemented within our current political and societal norms. Strategies such as inclusive education where students with developmental disabilities learn alongside their peers. Access to public services, that ensures individuals with disabilities can access transportation, healthcare, and recreational facilities. Opportunities for community engagement, that help to build social connections and reduce isolation. The development of support networks for families and caregivers of developmentally disabled individuals that provide necessary resources and
emotional support, fostering a more inclusive environment and Strong advocacy necessary to influence policies that support the rights and inclusion of developmentally disabled individuals. This can be achieved through lobbying, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with government bodies.
In a recent visit to Scotland, I was sitting in a food court in a shopping center on the outskirts of Edinburgh when this young lady and her staff approached a group of women sitting at a table eating lunch. She was very animated and had some difficulties with expressive speech but was greeted by the group who obviously knew her as it seemed she was a regular at this location. She stopped by several other tables where she was also subsequently greeted and acknowledged as her staff person facilitated these conversations with an evident joy and sense of humor. It made me smile as I listened to the reactions to her by others and the excitement evident in her voice. Just familiar friends greeting another friend. One who was a little bit louder, one who struggled a bit with speech and needed a little assistance to navigate but one that was an integral member of the community. Someone who just belonged. As I walked away towards the exit, and she walked in the opposite direction I could still hear the excitement in her voice and the reactions of her friends and I thought, this is how it should be.
By: Greg Lineham