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

Wisdom of the Elderly Overlooked Due to Physical Disability

Physical disabilities are not always visible, but more often than not are. This is not necessarily a negative thing; however it is always treated as one because people tend to treat these people differently and are quite often prejudiced, and sometimes even disgusted or anxious around them. In an article I found, this is explained in an understandable, however still unjust manner. “Because contagious diseases were often accompanied by anomalous physical features, humans plausibly evolved psychological mechanisms that respond heuristically to the perception of these features, triggering specific emotions (disgust, anxiety), cognitions (negative attitudes), and behaviors (avoidance). This disease-avoidance system is over-inclusive: Anomalous features that are not due to disease (e.g., limb amputation due to accident) may also activate it, contributing to prejudicial attitudes and behaviors directed toward people with disabilities.” (Park, 2003). Due to human nature, thinking persons with physical disabilities may have contagious diseases is unfortunately very common and this causes negative attitudes, as well as behavioral avoidance of disabled others.

Due to physical disabilities and the way they are regarded by a majority of the population, older persons who have physical disabilities are no longer respected like they used to be. Many elderly people have gone through a disability as they age as well. “It was detected that life satisfaction levels of elderly people were average, a great majority of them went through mobility disability and there was a significant correlation between mobility and life satisfaction.”(Mollaoglu, 2010). They deserve the utmost respect and should be the most worthy and appreciated members of society. Older persons have a lifetime of knowledge as well as experience behind them and quite often have much wisdom to pass down onto newer generations. However, people tend to judge persons with physical disabilities simply because they may look different. Many tend to believe that those with physical impairments have mental ones as well. Therefore, people are quite often unable to tap into the wisdom of older persons with disabilities. Who knows, maybe if we would just take the time to listen to elderly persons, we would have a world with far less violence, as well as a world with more happiness and fun. My grandmother loves to tell me about her memories growing up, and she often reminds me of how she wishes my generation was more like hers. Though there were crimes then too, she says there were not nearly as many, and she no longer feels safe like she used to, even in the small town we reside in.

Even though I know many people are not treating people with physical disabilities differently on purpose, I do wish that people would take the time to see that they are people too, and realize that it is unfair to judge them based on their condition. Also, I wish that though elderly people quite often go through some sort of physical impairment as their bodies age, they will not be judged and will always get the respect they deserve.

Park, J. H., Faulkner, J., Schaller, M. (2003). Evolved disease- avoidance processes and contemporary  anti-social behaviour: prejudicial attitudes and avoidance of people with physical disabilities. Journal of  Nonverbal Behavior, vol. 27(2), pp. 65-87.

Mollaoglu, M., Tuncay, F. O., Fertelli, T. K. (2010). Mobility disability and life satisfaction in elderly people. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, vol. 51(3), pp. e115-e119. 

-Marina R

Social Democracy and Physical Disability: How we can change

Reading through our group's blog posts, it may seem quite obvious that there needs to be at least some sort of change within society so everyone can begin to benefit from the policies in place in the Canadian welfare system.  Although society may discriminate against people with physical disabilities, physical disabilities do not discriminate among people and can affect anyone at any point throughout their lives; older persons, women, indigenous people, LGBTTQ*, etc.  A physical disability can very easily disrupt many activities, opportunities, and freedoms that should, and could, be available to all people no matter what their circumstances are.  However, we live in a society where people with physical disabilities cannot gain access to many buildings, have difficulty with transportation, are often judged as inadequate, and are therefore denied many opportunities that able-bodied people take for granted everyday.

To give a dramatic example, picture this: the number of people who reported having a physical disability in Canada in 2006 is more than the population of the whole state of Kentucky (Statistics Canada, 2007; U.S. Census Bureau, 2009).  We may know the government is aware of these unfortunate circumstances brought upon people with physical disabilities, but there is not enough direct incentive that will benefit them, and the rest of the able-bodied society to produce any meaningful changes.  In my opinion, the only reason any changes are taking place in the government system that benefit people with physical disabilities is to gain more sympathetic votes, to make them look better in the eyes of the public, or to "shut them up" by saying the government is trying to help them.  I feel like people are losing sight of what is really important and, instead, are getting caught up in making money or enhancing their reputation.

I believe the most effective way to bring about enough change that is necessary to improve the lives of people with physical disabilities is to adopt a social democratic frame of mind.  Mullaly (2007) states that in order to strive for equality within society, there needs to be "progressive tax systems, full employment policies, and well-developed social welfare programs" (p. 122) to provide people with physical disabilities the same opportunities in life that able-bodied people have.  The difference in our liberal Canadian welfare system right now is that people are provided with the equal opportunity to succeed, which in the end is not very equal at all.  From what I have learned in social work, society does not necessarily need everyone to be treated as equals because some people do not need help, and some need more help than others.  One of the main tenets of the social democracy ideology is "from each according to his/her ability, to each according to his/her needs" (Mullaly, 2007, p. 116) which is simply saying we need to help the people who need our help.  Through adopting social democratic ways of thinking and behaving, our society could begin to work together to produce change that will help the people who need help, and can therefore work to benefit and improve the overall health and happiness of all Canadians.

References:

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

Statistics Canada. (2007). Retrieved December 1, 2010, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/071203/dq071203a-eng.htm

U.S. Census Bureau. (2009). Retrieved December 1, 2010, from http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=uspopulation&met=population&idim=state:21000&dl=en&hl=en&q=population+of+kentucky

-Avery F

The Exlusive Guest List of Canada's Immigration Policy

Immigration policy in Canada has often operated like an invite list to an exclusive club.  Canada has its select guest list, and often those who are viewed as “unacceptable” are not allowed access into the country.  We let those in who have money, and those who have an established family here, but for those who are on their own or for those with disabilities the wait in line is often a long one. 

Often the immigration laws in Canada reflect prevailing attitudes of the time.  In 1939 Canada refused entry of the M.S. St. Louis, a ship filled with Jewish refugees from Europe.  The ship had previously attempted to dock in Cuba, and America before turning to Canada as its last hope for asylum.  However, due to the prevailing anti-Semitism attitudes of the time hundreds of Jewish passengers had no where else to go except back to Europe.  As a result, 254 of the 620 passengers died unnecessarily in the Holocaust, and the remaining endured 6 long years of war (M.S. St. Louis, 2010).

This isn’t the only instance where Canada has denied entry for those who clearly need it most.  The Canadian Council for Refugees (2000) noted that in 1923 Canada enacted the “Chinese Immigration Act”, which essentially led to the prohibition of those with Chinese origin into the country, as well as charging a head tax on those immigrants who could least afford it. 

And so, the exclusive guest list continues.  Thousands have applied for access into Canada on refugee status, many from war torn countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Iraq, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Often, many of these claimants suffer from physical disabilities, largely as a consequence of war. As Canada’s immigration policy stands now, Canada has the right to refuse entry into the country based on physical and mental disabilities of the applicants.  The reasoning being, people with physical disabilities are believed to place an “excessive burden on the country's health-care system”, and thus deemed undesirable members of society. (Kondro, 2002, p.240)

But then what is the fate for these people in their home countries?  Often the infrastructure of war torn nations is ill-equipped to deal with the demands of a physical disability.  I understand that Canada is attempting to protect a drain from it’s social services by barring those with physical disabilities entry, but at the same time, can this country in good conscious allow these people to be condemned? 

-Erin R.

Bibliography

Canadian Council for Refugees.  (2000).  Report on Systemic Racism and Discrimination

in Canadian Refugee and Immigration Policies.  Canada: Canadian Council for

Refugees (CCR).  Retrieved from http://www.ccrweb.ca/arreport.PDF

Kondro, Wayne.  (2002).  Canadian prohibition against immigrants with disabilities is

challenged.  Lancet, 359, 240.

M.S. St. Louis.  (2010).  Retrieved November 27, 2010, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_St._Louis

Brian Sinclair

Brian Sinclair, a 45-year-old double amputee with a speech problem, was found dead in his wheelchair after spending 34 hours in the Health Science Center’s emergency waiting room, without receiving treatment on September 2008.  His death could’ve been easily prevented had he received a simple catheter change and antibiotics. 
Read more: http://www.globalwinnipeg.com/health/Winnipeg+police+launch+criminal+probe+into+death+waited+hours/3680317/story.html

Mr. Sinclair’s tragic death is one that calls attention to a bigger problem in the Canadian healthcare system, the disparity of how it is distributed.  The Government of Canada stated that they are committed to provide effective programming; still the average health status of First Nation Peoples in Canada is still lower than the remainder of the population. (Curtis, 2007)  

The inequalities in health between Canadians should be seen in a larger context of inequality of the standard of living that stems from the historical relation between the First Nations People and the nation-state. (Adelson, 2005) The Canadian Diabetes Association stated Aboriginal people are three times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes (Rellinger, 2010).  The disproportional increase of diabetes with First Nations People must be seen in contemporary context; poverty, access to resources, cultural opinion of groceries etc. It is not just genetics or an inherent Aboriginal trait. (Adelson, 2005) Diabetes is often the cause for the need for amputation (“Canadian Diabetes Association”, 2010) a physical disability that for the most part could’ve been prevented had it received proper care.   

How can Canada's claim to be a fair and enlightened society (“the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples”, 1996) be achieved through social policies when those implementing the policies may have a subconscious bias towards First Nations People? Stereo typing Mr. Sinclair as homeless, who was just looking for warmth within the hospital or other preconceptions of him are possibilities as to why he did not receive the proper quality of care. “What we really have here is a combination of a lot of people who made various assumptions that led to a tragic end,” said Jan Currie, the authority’s chief nursing officer (Puxley, 2009)

We need to examine holistically the causes of health problems within the First Nations community, and how to alleviate the disparities of quality health care within Canada.

 Holly L

References:

Adelson, N.(2005) The Embodiment of Inequality; Health Disparities in Aboriginal Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health. Mar/Apr 2005, CBCA Complete pg. S45

“Canadian Diabetes Association”(2010) www.diabetes.ca/

Puxley, C (2009, Feb 4) Inquest called into death after 34-hour wait in ER., retrieved from TheStar.Com

Rellinger. P (2010, Nov 8) Type 2 Diabetes on the Rise, retrieved from www.northumberlandnews.com

“Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. People to people, nation to nation: Highlights from the report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples” (1996), retrieved from http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ap/pubs/rpt/rpt-eng.asp

Neo-conservative vs. the physically disabled

Neo-Conservative ideals benefit only a select few in society, this does not include those who are minorities in society, for example people with disabilities.  Balanced budgets and severe limits on government interference, means there is a greater possibility of fluctuation in the market and no money from taxes. Meaning money that is used for compensation and towards pension funds goes can go down, so people may find themselves in poverty after attaining a disability. If we were to believe as the neo-conservatives do, that mankind is inherently self serving then their whole basis for supply side economics wouldn’t work.(Mullally, 2007)  Ruling elite would always want more and that greed wouldn’t allow the wealth of a state to trickle down to all its citizens. The people who are notably more vulnerable become even more so. But this is a “natural” inequality,  and the need for prejudices is a core value of Neo-Conservatism.

 Though people with physical disabilities may fall under the “Deserving Poor” category,(Mullally, 2007) they aren’t seen as an asset to Neo-Con society, and are highly undervalued.  This sentiment is then mirrored through other actions; minimal financial compensation is given and that it is up to the family to provide care.  To be raised in a society that oppresses you rather then uplifts you would be an extremely disheartening life to lead.

The quality of life of any citizen should be the responsibility of their government, it is not a “private” matter as the Neo-Conservatives would have you believe.  There is not enough emotional support programs available and  not enough program openings to accommodate all the children and adults with disabilities that require them.  Social welfare spending would finance these programs; it would also support lower-income households, typically, though not exclusively.("Spending on Social Welfare Programs in Rich and Poor States", 2004) If a physical or mentally disabled person can’t work and are only receiving minimal compensation they would be or likely become part of the lower-income households.  If we are to be judged by how we treat the poorest amongst us, then our claim to high civilization has been challenged by the deteriorating history of our social welfare policy.(Johnston, 1986)  In contrast the Neo-Cons see the welfare state as inefficient and too big and expensive,(Mullally, 2007) preferring to minimize it further and to privatize everything on top of it all.  So that the government doesn’t run the programs but private companies do.

Companies and capitalist corporations often have Neo-Conservative beliefs and would rather limit compensation for disabilities attained during employment.  When profits are at the forefront the conditions and well being of their employees are far behind. Current government intervention may upset the Neo-Conservative but affirmative action policies served as an effective punishment for prejudiced employers,("Affirmative Action has Slipped Off its Foundation", 2010) and encourages them to hire people with a physical disability.

In conclusion a Neo-Conservative state only benefits the "Trumps" of the world, not the average Joes, and certainly not anyone who is unable to meet their standard of “normal” like people with a disability.

Holly L

 

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References

Anonymous; Affirmative action has slipped off its foundation .Winnipeg Free Press, July 29 2010

Johnston, R.(1986). A Golden Opportunity to Reform Welfare . Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Aug 29, 1986.  pg. A.19

Mullally, B.(2007). The New Structural Social Work. Oxford University Press Canada

Unknown; Spending on Social Welfare Programs in Rich and Poor States(June 30 2004)

Older Persons and Physical Disability

As of 2006, there were about 500 million people aged 65 and older, and there is predicted to be over 1 billion people in this age bracket by the year 2030 (Weir, Meisner, & Baker, 2010).  Since becoming an older person is such a ubiquitous topic, there is no reason or excuse for not having resources and accessibility that provide older persons with the ability to live independently and healthy.

I am currently visiting with a women who is almost 90 through my volunteer organization, who is having a difficult time being on her own.  She is managing, but there are many challenges she is currently facing.  Many of the people she was connected with; her husband, her parents, and most of her siblings, had passed away.  She constantly struggles with being lonely, but there is not much available to her in Winnipeg to help.  She has told me numerous times that she has trouble getting groceries because none of the grocery delivery services will let her order over the phone.  They will delivery groceries to her, but she has to come and pick them out at the store first, which is not an option for someone with a physical disability.  There is also the option of ordering online, but she does not have access to a computer, or even know how to use one.

Since having a physical disability affects so many aspects of a persons life, such as being active, independent, connected with others, etc., physical disability is the biggest factor for lowering life satisfaction in older persons (Mollaoglu, Tuncay & Fertelli, 2010).  This seems like a really big problem because the risk of having a physical disability increases with age.  But this should be encouraging for society to make their communities accessible for everyone, and everyone's life satisfaction will be increased.  It should be easy for older persons to order groceries, communicate with others, and be involved in the community, but so far Winnipeg is not quite there.

In one study, the authors found the best way to increase life satisfaction in older persons was for them to be busy with activities that "give happiness to individuals.  Feeling worthless, nonfunctional and powerless is the greatest handicap in obtaining life satisfaction" (Mollaoglu, Tuncay & Fertelli, 2010, p. 118). 

I completely agree with these statements because I have heard and seen the differences in older persons first hand.  I used to work at the hospital in Gimli in the Adult Day Program (ADP).  The program takes place Monday to Friday from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon, offered to any adults that wish to attend.  Most of the people who attend are older persons without much family support, and usually have physical disabilities.  Much like a school bus, the Handi-van bus picks them up and drops them off whenever they wish to attend.  Working at this job made me very aware of the difficulties older persons face everyday.  The program and hospital were very accessible for people with physical disabilities, as most of the ADP attendants used walkers or wheelchairs.  However, organizing field trips was often the difficult task.  For example, we were going to go for lunch on the River Rouge because it is wheelchair accessible.  But we noticed that many of the women did not sign their name on the attending list.  These women did not feel comfortable going somewhere like this because they do not know if the bathroom is accessible.  Many older persons have had bad experiences with places being wheelchair accessible as to let people with wheelchairs in, but not to accommodate them to every aspect of their organization, such as bars, patios, or in some cases, the bathroom.

The ADP program provides seniors with something to look forward to each week, social support, activities such as crafts, games, exercises, field trips, lunch and snacks, a sense of belonging, and many other benefits.  It just goes to show that with the right program available to older persons, and the accessibility to get there and back without feeling like a burden, older persons can and want to do the same thing everyone else in the world wants; an enjoyable life.  I think Winnipeg needs a lot more services similar to the Adult Day Program that is available in Gimli in order to improve older persons lives.

References:

Mollaoglu, M., Tuncay, F. O., & Fertelli, T. K. (2010). Mobility disability and life satisfaction in elderly people. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 51, 115-119.

Weir, P. L., Meisner, B. A., & Baker, J. (2010). Successful aging across the years : Does one model fit everyone? Journal of Health Psychology, 15(5), 680-687.

-Avery F