Physically Disabled: Deserving Poor

The neo-conservatives are an extremely right-wing party and they are all for the reduction of taxes. They spend far less money than the liberal party would due to the fact that they are far more concerned with individualism as opposed to collectivism. Conservative thought is often said to focus on the idea of individualism: self-help, self-support, self-sufficiency, self-respect. It rejects dependence, “scrounging,” collectivism, the belief that “the world owes you a living”.1 They are very much capitalists in the sense that they are more concerned with individual businesses and helping them turn profits. This leaves less room for government services such as welfare and health care.

Neo-conservatism has a very large effect on those with physical disabilities as well, because it not only leaves less room for government services but it also produces many limits and obstacles for those with physical disabilities. Many people with disabilities also would struggle if there was less or no welfare because the employment rate among them is significantly lower. They may have trouble making ends meet. There are approximately 4.5 million Canadians with disabilities and unfortunately many continue to live in extreme poverty, are unemployed or underemployed and lack adequate disability supports that would enable their ability to work, volunteer and live life to its fullest, like all other Canadian citizens.2 Overall, the unemployment rate (29%) for disabled Ss was significantly higher than the rate (12%) for nondisabled Ss.3 Even though this is an older reference; the same pattern carries through to the present. In a neo-conservative government, these Canadians would be far more limited in a lot of ways because a lot less money is being spent on accessibility for them.

Some of the other obstacles faced by those with physical disabilities include: accessibility, accommodations, prejudices, humiliation, as well as feeling inferior. Accessibility such as ramps and bars are not always available at workplaces, schools, and other public places really limiting people with physical disabilities to where they can go if they are in a wheelchair. Also, many bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible, which is a huge obstacle. As for accommodations, in many schools and workplaces they are not available, very limited, or are in the process of being reduced, which needs to be taken into consideration immediately. Another thing that people with physical disabilities must face daily is the prejudices that people have of them. People tend to avoid and sometimes even be nervous around people with physical disabilities. This causes the persons with physical disabilities to feel very inferior, as well as humiliated. Imagine how it would feel to know people were not comfortable around you due to the way you look. These are all very unfortunate obstacles and issues that these people have to face daily.

1 Barrett, M., McIntosh, M. (1982). [Review of the book Families in the U.S.]. Chapter 16: The anti-social family. 219-230.
2 http://www.diaconalministries.com/diaconalministry/disabilities.htm
3 Lonnquist, Daniel E. (1979). Employment rates among severely physically disabled and nondisabled college graduates and dropouts. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counceling, Volume 10, Spring Issue, 24-27.

-Marina