Persons with mental disabilities are everywhere. Many people have many different kinds of these disabilities, some more noticeable then others, and some not noticeable at all. It is unfortunate how many people, even those with slight mental illnesses themselves, tend to shy away from those with mild, moderate, or severe mental disabilities. This is very heartbreaking because every person, no matter whether they have a mental disability or not, has something to contribute to society in one way or another. This also goes hand-in-hand with persons with physical disabilities because the same regrettable attitude is often expressed towards them. But once again, all persons have something to supply in every community. Just a few examples of the countless jobs that can be occupied by persons with mental disabilities, as well as physical disabilities, depending on the condition, are: receptionists, greeters, activities leaders and assistants, librarian, physical labourers, and many, many more.
Though many persons with disabilities have often been known to have a lot of trouble finding occupations, employment rates do appear to be on the rise. “The latest data released Thursday from the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) found that between 2001 and 2006, the employment rate for people with disabilities rose from 49.3 per cent to 53.5 per cent... Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for people with activity limitations saw a decline, dipping from 13.2 per cent in 2001 to 10.4 per cent in 2006...” (Health zone). There are countless jobs, as well as other opportunities out there that should be available to persons with mental and physical disabilities. We, as a society, need to allow all people to do jobs that they are capable of, and allow everyone to reach their full potential, as well as achieve self-worth. We must also ensure that there is proper compensation for those who cannot earn their own livable income. Another thing to consider is that for those with disabilities, mental or physical, who are unable to work, money is needed to survive, and not all of them have family to rely on for income. Therefore, certain people need to still be taken care of and require an appropriate amount of government aid.
Mental as well as physical disabilities are often regarded as a flaw, a limitation, or a weakness; however, people who have them are still very gifted in their own way. We, as a society, have the responsibility to tap into what they can do rather then what they are unable to do. We must be optimistic and not judge them and be open to what everyone has to offer. People with disabilities do not want to be excluded, most of them want to donate as much as they can to the world and we need to allow them to do so. After all, 20% of Canadians will have a mental disability in their life so it is far more common than most people realize. “1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The remaining 4 will have a friend, family member or colleague who will,” (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).
Resources:
La Rose, L. (2008). More jobs for disabled: StatsCan. The Canadian Press. para. 2-4.
Retrieved from http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/466689.
Author unknown. (2009). Mental health and addiction statistics. Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health. para. 1. Retrieved from
-Marina R
I really enjoyed reading your post. I totally agree, everyone has something they can contribute to society and we need to help them feel more at ease at doing so.
ReplyDelete-Allery
Marina, in addition to your post I would like to mention the possibility of physical disabilities leading to mental disabilities. This is true sometimes for older persons with physical disabilities who are disengaged from society. According to experiences my Mother had, that I am aware of, the isolated lifestyles that older persons with physical disabilities sometimes have inhibits mental disabilities such as depression. In this sense, older persons physically and mentally disabled are likely to be marginalized on even more levels than people living with just mental and physical disabilities.
ReplyDelete-Brooke D.
I agree that everyone whether they have a mental or a physical disability, or not has a part to play in society. It is a shame that people are turned down from jobs just because they have a mental and/or a physically disability. There are many jobs that those individuals are capable of like you suggest. For those who cannot work, I agree, they deserve to have sufficient amounts of money for proper living. We all should help and support those who are in need to make their lives as beneficial as we can.
ReplyDeleteAshley R.