Equality for All

If you were to look at the population as a whole you would likely agree that everyone is unique, and perhaps through the eyes of another, a bit strange. Some of these unique characteristics could be associated with a mental illness, however there’re so many symptoms and variables it can be hard to differentiate what’s “acceptable” and what should receive treatment.  Yet despite the acknowledgement that everyone is a bit of a nutter butter, many still see it as expectable to ostracize others who have a more apparent mental or physical disabilities.

There are said to be five dimensions that explain mental retardation.  They include intellectual  abilities, adaptive behavior, participation, interactions, and social roles, health, and context. The volume then presents a framework for diagnosing and classifying mental retardation and planning supports. (Luckasson, 2002)

 If you noticed the previous statement, which was by a medical institution, you’ll see the politically correct term was “mental retardation”.   The term “retard” is slang term currently associated with someone who is stupid. Given the above quote was stated in 2002, you may come to the conclusion of the often offensive manner in which people who were supposed to be creating supports had categorized people with a mental disability. I think it would be challenging to see the full potential of individuals when you broadly categorize them based on their perceived lack of abilities due to their illness.

I’ve heard people say that those with a mental disability aren’t fully functional members of society, because they’re unable to contribute traditionally.  Certain mental illnesses make it impossible for the person to work the normal 40hr weeks and keep steady jobs. People with a mental disability may not have the same mental process or capabilities as their chronologically aged peers might have but this should not give anyone the right to see them as less than another.  A good part of the last half of the required class readings of B. Mullaly had to do with oppression. Marginalization excludes individual’s meaningful participation in society.  The welfare bureaucracies have been criticized for this and for patronizing the citizens who’ve come to depend on them. (Mullaly, 2007) 

There is an obvious inequality in health between those who have the capacity to go to a medical facility and people who don’t due to a mental illness. (Marmot, 2009) Many homeless people suffer from mental illnesses that go untreated because they don’t have the support required to make sure they receive adequate care without them instigating it. Studies have documented elevated rates of mental illness and substance use disorders among the homeless. (Bassuk, 1998) It’s harder for people with a mental or physical disability to find employment which would aid in the reduction of their poverty. Perhaps our current social welfare system doesn’t give people with a mental disability, who don’t necessarily have an advocate an appropriate work and social structure for them to succeed within the societal constructs.

Canadian social policies shouldn’t reflect an acceptance of undervaluing the mentally disabled, and should focus on social inclusion. Policies should grant power to all sectors of society, thereby maximizing capacities, resources, and equal opportunities. We are all equally different, thus should be treated as equals.

Holly L

Bassuk, E. (1998). Prevalence of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Among Homeless and Low-Income Housed Mothers. Am J Psychiatry

 Luckasson, R. (2002) Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports. 10th Edition. American Association on Mental Retardation.

Marmot, M.(2009) Social determinants of health inequalities. The Lancet, Volume 365, Issue 9464,

Mullaly, B. (2007)The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.