INJUSTICE IN DISABLED TREATMENT

Injustice in treatment of disabled in the society. Discuss in 4 pages

In this essay, I will be talking about the injustices faced by disabled or impaired people. Martin
Luther King always supported equal justice for all, and some people aren’t getting it. There are
more than 1 billion people who are considered disabled, and many don’t get the treatment that
they need or deserve. I think it is unjust that most movements to support disabled people’s
rights didn’t begin until the 1950s and 60s, and the first laws regulating treatment of disabled
people in the UK weren’t passed until 1995. There are many problems facing disabled people,
such as inadequate facilities, lack of acceptance in their communities, and lack of access to
general needs.

Injustice in the treatment of disabled individuals within society has been a persistent issue,
reflecting broader systemic inequalities. This essay delves into the multifaceted aspects of this
problem, examining historical context, socio-economic implications, legislative efforts, and
potential solutions.

The mistreatment of disabled individuals traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, where
they were often relegated to the margins of society due to perceived differences. These
attitudes persisted through history, with disabled individuals being segregated,
institutionalized, or even subjected to harmful practices. These actions reinforced the narrative
of disabled people as "other," perpetuating stigmatization and discrimination.

Socio-economic factors further compound the injustice. Disabled individuals frequently face
barriers to accessing education, employment, and healthcare. The lack of accessible
infrastructure limits mobility and independence, deepening the cycle of inequality. This not only
hampers their quality of life but also results in economic losses for society, as disabled
individuals are often unable to contribute their skills and talents to the workforce.

Legal frameworks have evolved to address these issues, with initiatives like the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) globally. While these efforts have led to some progress,
implementation gaps and inadequate enforcement remain. Moreover, the focus on legal
compliance sometimes overlooks the deeper social and cultural roots of discrimination.
Media representation plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions. Portrayals of disabled
individuals are often limited to stereotypes, reinforcing misconceptions and hindering empathy.
A more inclusive media landscape can challenge biases and foster understanding.

Education stands as a potent tool for change. Inclusive education not only benefits disabled
students but also cultivates a more accepting society. When children with and without
disabilities learn together, they develop mutual respect and a sense of shared humanity.
Teacher training and accessible resources are vital components of inclusive education.

Employment opportunities for disabled individuals are often limited, leading to economic
disparities. Corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives can help break down barriers by
providing reasonable accommodations and fostering workplace cultures that celebrate
differences. Governments can incentivize inclusive hiring practices through policy measures and
financial incentives for businesses.

Accessible infrastructure is fundamental for creating an inclusive society. The incorporation of

universal design principles in public spaces, transportation, and technology can enhance
accessibility for all. Moreover, public awareness campaigns can challenge misconceptions and
promote a more inclusive mindset.

Support services also play a critical role. Adequate healthcare, rehabilitation facilities, and
mental health support tailored to the needs of disabled individuals can significantly improve
their well-being and integration into society.

Technology presents both opportunities and challenges. Assistive technologies have

revolutionized the lives of many disabled individuals, enabling greater independence and
participation. However, the digital divide can exacerbate inequality, as those without access to
technology are further marginalized.
Many houses, schools, and transportation systems were completely inaccessible to disabled
people. According to Javid Abidi, the chair of Disabled People’s International, disabled people
were denied “40-50 years of global development in which most of the world's infrastructure of
buildings, buses and trains, was developed. Disabled got left out of this “progress” and a world
emerged where- by default- disabled people are at a huge disadvantage.” As professor Hugh
Herr, head of the biometrics department of MIT put it, “Disabled athletes aren’t able to
compete in the same way as people without disabilities. Just look at Oscar Pistorius, when he
first started to compete with his prosthetic limbs, it was considered “cute”. Then when he
started beating people without disabilities, he became a threat and was accused of using his
prosthetic legs to cheat.” In India, until 10-15 years ago, they had a policy that said that any
building up to 4 stories did not need a lift. That is a ridiculous requirement that shows blatant
discrimination. Especially in India, the belief in karma leads people to think that the person is at
fault and is being punished by being disabled. This belief is ridiculous, as literally anybody could
become disabled by a complete freak accident. Or, a person could be born with this disability,
and never would have known any

Most disabled people are isolated and this leads them to suffer from stigmatisation. Individuals
forget that they are also humans and even go to an extent they make fun of them. That's why
we find some of the disabled people have a hard time accepting themselves and suffer from
depression. We've lost many of them yet they are of importance due to a very small difference
they have.

Secondly, poverty has really strained the disabled. The leaders who have been entrusted with
their finances have decided to fatten their pockets and strain the lives of the disabled. Relating
to this economy, it is not pitying anyone and you would find the disabled lacking nutritious food
or good clothes because even the basic needs are very expensive. Keeping in mind due to their
condition they need help once in a while yet those entrusted to help them are satisfying
themselves first.

In addition to poverty and isolation they face exclusion from education. It is a right for everyone
to be educated but some schools feel that disabled people are not of the standards of their
institution. As smart and bright as they are their efforts of studying go down the drain due to
microscopic thinking of some people. This is the main reason as a country we are lagging
behind because the brains we need are being neglected.

Besides that they are also discriminated against in matters of employment. People seem to
forget that disability is not inability. The few disabled people who manage to be educated find it
difficult to find a job mostly because of their condition. The employers find it difficult to insure
them and due to these circumstances they find it hard to be independent.
Fifthly, in matters to do with transportation they have a lot of difficulties. They are forced to
take the expensive means of transport because of their comfortability. If they take the normal
means they tend to be charged highly since they have to be considered. Some conductors are
rude to them if they try to bargain or argue because of the high chargers. This brings about the
impression that they don't have the right to voice out their opinions.

To add to all that, even when technology is brought about most of the time it doesn't consider
the disabled. In our minds we assume everyone is physically fit meaning we forget the disabled.
They are also humans who should be kept as a priority. When the lives of others are improving
and becoming more easier and sweet while theirs continue lagging behind because the
technology doesn't favor them of which makes them feel left out in the society.

Furthermore, in matters to do with politics most of them are not given the same opportunity.
People wonder how would a disabled help us ? People are quick to judge and so they don't
even care to listen to them to understand their intentions. We end up choosing the wrong
leaders at a time because of how quick we judge others and ignore them because of their
disabilities.

Apart from all that, there are also some policies that are totally absurd. Some hotels can't
accommodate the disabled. This pushes them away from society because they can't even
interact with others without facing negative reactions. They should get good treatment and
services just like the rest. They are not any different from others and they also have feelings of
which they get hurt. For them to be proud of themselves we contribute by how we treat them.

Far from all that their fees in health matters are not really catered for . Mostly they are
neglected if they don't pay the amount required in the hospital. The government should take a
hand of catering for the disabled keeping it in mind most of them aren't independent. Being
dependent is difficult for their medication and also takes care of themselves.

Another point to all that some are born with a disability are neglected with their parents. Some
mothers would throw their children not lacking back to see the harsh conditions their child
would face being disabled. Some of these disabled grow in the streets not having anyone to
care about them or to look onto but themselves. The injustice they face is not having a normal
life of being loved and being cared for so they don't know how to act among people.

In addition to that institutions have to consider the disabled in their structure of construction.
There are not many institutions that consider the disabled. You may find an institution that may
have six floors but only has stairs . Those who are lame find it difficult to go to the office of the
institution. It's good to know that everybody needs these services and so even how the
architecture draws the structure of the building. This is to make their life comfortable as others
are .
In most events the deaf are not considered. There is nobody who is there to translate for them.
They remain in the event to look like they are an outcast. To sum it up, we should take caution
of how we treat them.

In conclusion, injustice in the treatment of disabled individuals is a complex issue with

historical, socio-economic, legislative, and cultural dimensions. Addressing this injustice
requires a multi-faceted approach that involves legal reforms, education, media representation,
accessible infrastructure, employment opportunities, and support services. By fostering a more
inclusive society, we can challenge discrimination and work towards a future where disabled
individuals are valued for their abilities rather than defined by their disabilities.