How An Aboriginal Perspective Can Change the Way We Think About People with Disabilities

It has been recognized that people with physical disabilities are often an oppressed group in Canadian society, based largely on the way we see them. Graham, Swift and Delaney (2009) define disability as “any limitation in ability to perform functions considered ‘normal’ for a human being or required for a social role or occupation” (p. 139). They go on to identify three main views of people with disabilities, which have shaped social policy. The first is the biomedical model which labels disability as an individual characteristic, and focuses on “curing” that characteristic by such methods as rehabilitation (Graham et al., 2009, p.141). An economic view of disability also exists, which reflects a capitalist stance. It asserts people with physical disabilities are unable to be as productive as those who are able-bodied, and thus social policy should involve “compensation” for being unable to participate fully in the work force (Graham et al., 2009, p.141). Finally, the socioeconomic model frames disability as an oppressive relationship between those who are disabled and a society which has built unequal structures which disadvantage them (Graham et al., 2009, p.141). However, I believe all of these definitions fall short, because within each definition a recognition of the inherent humanity of those who are disabled is missing. If we are to form a cohesive view of disability we’ll have to change the way we see. Only then can proper social policies be made.

The identity often given to individuals with a disability is that their disability is seen first, and their humanness second. However, an Aboriginal perspective challenges this. It forces us to recognize the spirit of individuals, and know that each person is essential for the community to function as a whole, regardless of their physical limitations. In his thesis Morrissette (2006) explains that an Aboriginal perspective on human nature differs from a Western perspective in that Aboriginals see all people as inherently good and spiritual (p.175), and believe strongly that each human has a specific role in which to contribute to society. This belief of human nature shifts the emphasis from individual ability to an individual’s interconnectedness with others. It should be noted that in the Cree language there is no word for disability (Stienstra & Ashcroft, 2010, p. 194).

An interesting study was done with physically disabled children in Navajo First Nation Communities. It showed that children with physical disabilities were not considered as helpless in the community, but were recognized for their individuality. Their disablement was not viewed in terms of a problem, or illness but instead as a unique “characteristic”. This had huge impacts on how these children were raised. Instead of isolating them from the community, the Navajo treated them as equal members who had their own set of gifts to contribute despite whatever physical impediment they may have been born with (McShane & Hastings, 2004, p. 37-38)

So rather judging people by capitalist standards, we need to shift to an Aboriginal perspective to define disability. Then maybe social policies will be made that don’t exclude those with physical disabilities, but focus on what they have to offer.

-Erin Roche

Bibliography

Graham, J. R., Swift, K. J., & Delaney, R. (2009). Diversity and social policy (Chapter 6). Canadian social policy: An introduction (3rd Ed.; p.121-148). Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Morrissette, V. (2006). Towards an Aboriginal perspective that addresses ideological domination in social policy analysis. Chapter 5: Implications for Social Work p.162-189). Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Manitoba.

McShane, K., & Hastings, P. (2004). Culturally sensitive approaches to research on child development and family practices in First Peoples communities. First Peoples
Child & Family Review: A Journal on Innovation and Best Practices in
Aboriginal Child Welfare Administration, Research , Policy & Practice, 1, 33-48.

Stienstra, D. & Ashcroft, T. (2010). Voyaging on the seas of spirit: an ongoing journey towards understanding disability and humanity. Disability & Society, 25(2), 191 – 203.