Social Democracy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OOOKTq1P1G8

The above link is for a video you should watch

This video is of a Canadian politician, Corky Evans’ speech on social democracy.  In it he spoke of the ideals of communism. “ Socialism...honestly achieved that citizens actually vote for it… people have pride that they own it, but have someone managing it” social democracy may have citizens paying more taxes (the government is “managing it”) but the citizens see those benefits through social programs, pensions, insurance etc. Unlike a right winged government that has a Darwinian view; that through “natural selection” some people need to have a lower quality life in order for society to function.(Hawkins, 1997) Social Democracy sees society more holistically, that the role of the state is to promote the collective good. (Mullaly, 2007)

Social democracy has a strong policy of inclusion, seeing the citizens as individuals who need state aid in their lives rather than associating people with a dollar value. Corky Evans argued that social democracy was eroding from Canada, that corporate monopolies, globalization and capitalism have brought Canada further and further to the Right wing.  

The right winged value of competition has become prominent in Canadian society and has helped marginalize those who may not conform to a certain prototype. A study of history would show that the incarceration and segregation of the disabled often reflected the trends in the political economy. People with a disability remain among the most marginal of citizens in the Western industrialized countries. (Malhotra, 2001) People who have a physical disability may not be able to contribute to the same extent as an able bodied individual, and as a result become part of the undervalued minorities.  

Though Canada has established a liberal social welfare program, (Mullaly, 2007) it is not a socially democratic country. During the Cold War there was a fear of the spread of socialism, however Canada’s form of socialism is not like Communism or Marxism because we have an established democratically elected government, not a individual totalitarian power.  The Cold War is over. North America needs to reflect that by instating more socially democratic policies.  Putting a stronger focus on the average citizens needs and less on the wealthy and corporations, by employing larger taxes based on net profits.  We need to minimize the divide between the classes, so that every citizen can obtain their maximum quality of life.

Holly L

Hawkins, M. (1997) Social Darwinism in European and American thought, 1860-1945: nature as model and nature as threat. Cambridge University Press.

Malhotra, R.(2001) The Politics of the Disability Rights Movement. ZNet. The Spirit of Resistance Lives

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

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.

Depression and Disability

As you age your body starts to fail you in ways it gave you independence only a decade earlier.  Once easy mobility has now become your daily ‘Everest’ to undertake.  As frustrations mount and the feeling of neglect rise within, depression is logically soon to follow.

Older people with physical disabilities like their younger counterparts need resources and policies to help them adapt to disability to help give a higher life satisfaction. Disability is closely associated with the use of health and social services, however older people in general require more care.  As a result of the rising costs, policy discussions have begun across the world on how to utilize funding, in regards to senior services or care. (Guralnik, 1997)

I believe the policies in Canada should reflect the need to help seniors and others with physical disabilities adapt in hopes of limiting the rates of depression amongst them.  Though medication and counseling are an option, many seniors don’t consider their behavior ‘depressive’ and may not seek assistance.  I believe more subtle social policies should be created to reduce depression.   It has been proven that regular exercise and maintaining or increasing social contact can prevent depression(Mcpherson,2010).  However mobility can be challenging for people with physical disability and exercise can be even harder in seniors who don’t have the same energy.  I believe new policies need to be introduced such as; Larger subsidies from the government to reduce the cost of programs for participants, more programs with low impact movements like those that are available through the Winnipeg Leisure Guide and easier access to transportation, like Handi- Transit to access these programs.  A large proportion of the disabled elderly people currently live outside institutions (Melzer, 1999), making these exercise programs a way for them to socialize, which inadvertently deters depression.  Social-based resources are critical for modifying the effects of stress on mental health.(Pearlin, 1999)

I believe that seeing people with a disability out exercising and successfully adapting to their challenges will help society see their misconceptions about people with a disabilities’ ability.  Hopefully, seeing that people with a disability are still members of society and deserve the same quality of respect they’ve come to expect others to show them. Society as a whole needs to increase the sense of support, motivating creative coping efforts and giving security as a “psychological safety net” if these efforts were to fail. (Bolger, Zuckerman, & Kessler, 2000).  Unfortunately people who acquired a physical disability early on in life are less likely to feel that support, as these limitations are likely to make them appear more prominently different to others, thereby increasing the risk of stigma and discrimination. Consequently depression rates tend to be even higher with younger people than older people with a disability. 

Depression can dramatically affect your quality of life and as a society our policies need to reflect a more holistic view on life. 

Bolger, N, Kessler, R, & Zukerman, A. (2000). The support and adjustment to stress . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(6), 953-961.

Guralnik, F. (1997). Disablility in older adults: evidence regarding significance, etiology and risk. I Am Geriatric Soc., 92-100.

McPherson, L. (2010, November). Don't be sad. Winnipeg's Health & Wellness, 42.

Melzer, D. (1999) Profile of disability in elderly people: estimates from a longitudinal population study. British Medical Journal

Pearlin, L.  (1986). "Coping and Social Supports: Their Functions and Applications." In Applications of Social Science to Clinical Medicine and Health Policy. NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Tung, H. (2010). Aging & Mental Health. 14(7), 851-860.

Holly L

Older Persons and Physical Disability

The concurrent population of older adults is increasing dramatically. Not only are people retiring from the “greatest generation”, (the group of persons born between 1925 and 1942) as well the baby boomer population is starting to approach retirement. According to Sperazza L. J. & Bannerjee P. in Baby Boomers and Seniors: Understanding Their Leisure Values Enhances Programs, 76 million people consist of the baby boom population, currently retiring (2010). Not surprisingly, caregivers of this population, particulary baby boomers,  are overwhelmed with the numbers of older aged persons needing accommodations.

For instance, baby boomers have pressure on them to help parents with difficult tasks in their homes; like doing household chores, clothing themselves etc., as well as tasks outside their homes; like picking up the mail, getting groceries, or even driving to the coffee shop. In Driving Restrictions and Aging: Incredible Risk or Preserving Quality of Life? Glenyth Nasvadi points out the mental discrepancies that sometimes accompany older aged persons as well as physical problems that can alter necessary driving skills like, “visual problems [and] slowed physical reflexes“(Nasvadi G., 2010, p. 8). Transportation is a valuable resource to have in contemporary society and having a vehicle taken away because of physical disabilities excludes older persons from so many aspects of society that they have a right to be a part of.

Similarly to parting with vehicles, older persons have to give up many of their belongings especially with the onset of physical disabilities. On the other hand, the dignity of older persons should not be allowed to be taken from them. It has been argued that entering an old aged care home basically entitles that ones pride may as well be left at the door. The perception seniors have of old age facilities is enforced in Mortensons article when he says “institutions . . . are seen as places worse than death” (Mortenson, 2010, p. 11). When you consider the expectations placed on caregivers in this context, it is not hard to imagine the truth to the latter statement. Moreover, stress, along with other things, could very well culminate in these workers and therefore reflect in their relationships with members of the facilities.

Maybe an increase in wages for persons with frequent contact with seniors would alleviate this problem. Also, funding to better suit leisure programs with the values of older persons, and funding to purchase mobilized wheelchairs could prevent caregivers from becoming bitter and older persons from becoming frustrated, hopeless, and depressed. Older persons’ prevalence of depression mentioned in Mortenson’s article clarifies the debilitating effect immobility has on older persons overall well-being. My mother saw the prevalence of depression among various other disabilities when she facilitated a group program for seniors called Seniors Day Out. The majority of the seniors attending had some form of a physical disability whether it be hearing problems, or some sort of physical debilitation leading to wheelchair use. My mom saw first hand the barriers to programs in place for seniors. First off, thinking of activities to get seniors out and about was always a challenge because very little places had adequate provisions for the program members. For example, the selection of restaurants to go to was limited because of no available wheel chair ramps, even set-ups of establishments sometimes made it difficult to maneuver around.  

Getting businesses on board with implementing wheelchair friendly spaces would be a start to disintegrating subordinating constructs of society. Other ways society can look out for older persons interests is by nationally adopting the graduated de-licensing policy.

According to Nasvadi’s article, graduated de-licensing is a registered license where one can drive but is limited to certain conditions like driving in daylight only, and driving on residential streets only etc. Graduated de-licensing could take into consideration the best interests of older persons affected by physical disabilities and would take appropriate precautions for the general population of drivers. Also, more suitable equipment, such as more comfortable wheelchairs, or funding for power wheelchairs could help seniors get out and about. This would not put so many limits on where they could go within and outside the institutions they are living in. Funding to give professionals the resources to teach seniors using wheelchairs how to properly use them would allow older persons to move around the institution if they chose. Therefore, better funding would address a lot of the discrepancies persons with physical disabilities, living in old age facilities; face (Mortenson, 2010, p.11). Also, taking into consideration the differing values of the baby boomers and the greater generation mean leisure activity coordinators and program coordinators need to develop activities specific to generation. Doing this would most likely lead to less depression and would acknowledge the physical abilities pertinent to each age group. For example, considering the healthy lifestyle orientation of baby boomers attempting more stimulating activities could be implemented and would probably be well received (Sperazza L. J. & Bannerjee P, 2010).

In large I think it is highly important we do not forget to speak out for these people. Many of us have personal attachments with this population and it is important we support those we love and look out for one another. Furthermore, raising awareness and spreading it to those who may not have the same attachments we do can be helpful to acknowledge the struggles older persons have because of their physical impairments. As a whole, we need to realize the impact, economically, politically, and socially this population has had on society, making it what it is today.

References

Mortenson, Ben (2010). Ready to Roll? Mobility and Social Participation Among Wheelchair Users in Residential Car. Gerontology Research Centre, 19: 2, 10-12.

ISSN: 1188-1828

Nasvadi, Glenyth (2010). Driving Restrictions and Aging: Increasing Risk Or Preserving Quality of Life?. Gerontology Research Centre, 19: 2, 6-9.

ISSN: 1188-1828

Sperazza, Lynda J. and Bannerjee, Priya (2010). Baby Boomers and Seniors: Understanding Their Leisure Values Enhances Programs. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 34: 3, 196-215.

doi: 10.1080/01924788.2010.501484

-Brooke D.

The Effects of Being a Women and Having a Physical Disability

Women are affected by policies much differently than other populations. In the article Income support policy in Canada and the UK: different, but much the same Claudia Malacrida pointed out how keeping women dependent on the state is built into the social construction of society, especially for women with physical disabilities. She said this was a result of “their unequal access to education, their difficulties in obtaining adequate employment and their higher likelihood of living in poverty” (2010, p. 674). Even though the prevalence of a patriarchal society is lessening, the restraining nature of the social world is clear in policies that affect women. As noted by the government of Canada (2003) “. . . women who are disabled find fewer work opportunities at lower pay than men with disabilities . . .” (as cited by C. Malacrida p. 674).

So how are policies worsened for women with physical disabilities you ask? Since, a lot of the time women have pressure on them to be the main caregivers of children, finding childcare usually falls into their hands. In many senses this is a disablement in itself for women with physical disabilities. Using the internet for example, is a dilemma on its own (Income support policy in Canada and the UK: different, but much the same, 2010, p. 678). Consider this: if a woman is unable to afford childcare she has no choice but to take her child with her to find internet access which, in most cases, requires she leave the house, keeping in mind many women in similar situations cannot enjoy the luxury of their own internet. If moving around wasn’t already hard enough, supervising a child while doing so would be challenging to say the least.

The lack of access to good paying jobs leaves women very little money, if any, for childcare. In the event childcare can be obtained through a subsidy for example, sustaining or obtaining any other benefits one is entitled to becomes a struggle. Underlying rules pertinent to income support policy usually restrict use of other financial supports. Basically, a hidden requirement for any benefit, if they can even be called that, is little or no attachments to other benefits. This means you must have a minimum source of income and are therefore destitute.

Women are even questioned on the basis of their partner’s current financial situation. Any money being received besides income support, must be acknowledged by providers of programmes (Income support policy in Canada and the UK: different, but much the same, 2010, p.679). Sometimes women’s benefits are even taken away when job changes, and/or additional physical disablements of family members arise.

In the midst of all these policies, how can women with physical disabilities succeed at life? The blunt answer is they cannot. When we step back and look at the experiences of women with physical disabilities we can see how policies maize-like features, do not permit women flourish. In fact, the policies themselves are made for able-bodied people and paradoxically ignore the discrepancies that limit these people in the first place. Trying to obtain all the benefits you qualify for can stigmatize you as someone “cheat[ing] the system” (Malacrida), when in actuality one may just be hoping to meet their subsistence needs for the time being (2010, p.682). In this sense, if you are not able bodied you are punished and are in a state of perpetual scavenging. As Ben Mortenson notes in Ready to roll? Mobility and social participation among wheelchair users in residential care, similar to senior citizens, many of these people did not choose to have a physical disability and would like to be able to move around freely (2010).

Herein, I find it critical that professionals develop ways to facilitate women with physical disabilities into society. Collaborating with this population and passing on new information that arises in policies is one way persons with physical disabilities can be aware of their entitlements. I hope In the future, a need to dodge policy restrictions won’t be necessary. Rather, I hope more inclusive policies will dominate Canadian society. Here is to wishful thinking.

References

Malacrida, C. (2010). Income support policy in Canada and the UK: different, but much the same. Disability & Society, 25: 6, 673-686.

doi: 10.1080/09687599.2010.505739

Mortenson, B. (2010). Ready to roll? Mobility and social participation among wheelchair users in residential care. Seniors’ Housing Update, 19; 2, 10-12.

                ISSN: 1188-1828

-Brooke D.

Special Contributions, Not Special Needs

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  

               http://www.camh.net/News_events/Key_CAMH_facts_for_media/addictionmentalhealthstatistics.html.

-Marina R

The Pain of Immigration

In this blog I would like to discuss how brave Canadian immigrants, as well as immigrants everywhere else really are. First of all, these courageous people must take the step in applying to immigrate to our country. If they are accepted, this likely requires leaving their family for a period of time, as well as leaving their friends, and ultimately, their home land. This seems like an easy thing to do, seeing as how they are getting what they want by moving to Canada, but it is impossible to know how hard it really is without ever having been there. If I leave home for only a week, I know how much I miss my family, friends, and my home already. I cannot imagine leaving behind those who matter the most to me for so long, and leaving my home behind for good!

Also, once the immigrant is accepted, while struggling to get his or her family immigrated as well, he or she must find employment, and affordable housing in Canada. This is difficult considering he or she may still be trying to support their family back home. For another thing, loneliness is a huge factor for immigrants in this new country (and that's not even considering the extreme culture shock they may be experiencing), and keeping in touch with the family can be difficult and expensive. When money is a strain, you are thousands of miles from home, and one has no company and misses their loved ones, it is a recipe for depression. This is excluding the fact that there may be language barriers and other obstacles such as prejudice and judgement faced by the immigrant. I also read that for immigrants, social support and employment status were taken as independent variables in a study, whereas depression and physical symptoms were dependent variables, which are uncontrollable. (Schwarzer, 1994).

As I was saying, immigrants must face many judgments and prejudices due to the society we live in today. This is terribly unfortunate because Canada is supposed to be proud of our multiculturalism and be supportive of all the cultures that make up our “Cultural Mosaic.” This mosaic basically means that, “...ethnic groups have maintained their distinctiveness while functioning as part of the whole...” (Palmer, 1976). However, it seems that in the present, so many obstacles are faced daily by immigrants. They are already very much left out of many community events because of the prejudices that people have.  It certainly is made much worse if that immigrant or refugee has a physical disability because for these people too, judgement is something faced each day. If we take my recipe for depression from before and then add a disability to the life of this lonely immigrant, we have a very distressing life. If it was not hard enough already for these immigrants, if they have a physical impairment they are practically ignored.

References:

Schwarzer, R., Hahn, A., Fuchs, R. (1994). Unemployment, social resources, and mental and physical health: A three-wave study on men and women in a stressful life transition. Job stress in a changing workforce: Investigating gender, diversity, and family issues. pp. 75-87. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. pp. 345.

Palmer, H. (1976). Mosaic versus Melting Pot?: Immigration and ethnicity in Canada and the United States. The U.S. and Us, vol. 31(3), pp. 488-528.

-Marina R