Week With Disability Essay

Upon meeting Sandy I believe her involvement in the program is an incentive for us as students to begin changing our perception of disabled individuals in our society. I think she proves that everyone has a purpose in life and deserves to live a fulfilling lifestyle with the opportunity to reach their greatest potential. As we begin our studies as Occupational Therapy Assistant students, we can reflect on Sandy's life and envision ourselves in the future on a healthcare team giving the same opportunities to people with disabilities. Despite the obstacles Sandy has faced in her life as a disabled person she has a remarkably positive outlook on life. When asked about her optimistic approach to life she attributed it to her upbringing in collaboration

Adults with learning disabilities can be very vulnerable and when they are accommodated in supported living, it is possible that they become exposed to further difficulties. Although the principles of the MCA set out to promote the independence of adults with learning disability whom obtain capacity, as outlined earlier, whilst they are living within supported accommodation they may have a loss of freedom and/or a reduction in choices and decisions, because although an individual may have the capacity to identify their needs and establish what they would ‘like’ to do, it is not always possible, again because of austerity measures and cut-backs which effectively impact staffing levels.

The onset of a disability at any stage can greatly affect how one develops through life. According the Newman (2015), “if the conflict of a stage is handled well, a new sense of mastery and competence emerges” (pg. 66). Along with dealing with the predictable psychosocial crisis (generativity vs. stagnation), Sam was facing three unforeseen stressors. These stressors included the loss of employment, his daughter starting her own family, and the untimely tragic death of his son. Due to these stressors, Sam began to suffer from depression. According to Newman (2015), one who is chronically depressed and facing stagnation may lose their will to live. It was evident though the interview, that Sam’s depression impacted his sense of self worth and hopes for the future. If major depression is left untreated as one transition into later adulthood, one may see a further decline in activity engagement. One can also speculate that if the depression continues, it will begin to affect a person’s physical health (Blazer, 2003).

Disability is a thing that can happen to anyone whether it is that they are born with it or they get into an accident and ultimately end up being disable. This is something that is life changing and it affects a person’s life forever. According to Sinclair, & Xiang (2008) “Disability is a major public health problem that affects approximately 20% of the US population, including children younger than 18 years. It is estimated that 5.8% to 18.0% of children in the United States have a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional disability” (Sinclair, & Xiang (2008). Luckily, there is a place that people facing these circumstances can go to for help with their disabilities and this place will help them to readjust themselves and

Dyasha Smith, a 21 year old student died by choking on a muffin at school. She wore diapers, was nonverbal, was autistic. Dyasha was a victim of neglect. Her mother stated that she was supposed to have a full-time supervisor on the bus and at school. Her supervisor was not there at the time of the event. This girl could have been helped, but the staff was too careless (Taylor). This is only one story of thousands of neglected people with disorders across the world. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, and Dyslexia are common disorders seen amongst children. Children with these disorders have special needs which require extra attention-- especially in an educational environment such as school. When these special needs are neglected there can be permanent damages, even death in the case of Dyasha Smith. Caregivers — a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly or disabled person— should know the specific things a child with a disorder needs; they should be certified to prove the have the education they need in order to fulfill the needs of the specific child. In some occasions, children are not tested in a correct manner to identify if they have a disorder. If a child who had a disorder is not diagnosed with a disability they can suffer and not be able to grow as a person. Children with disorders should have their own

"Society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairment." Society makes generalizations and stereotypes about the disabled and the disease stricken. Society as a whole has the belief that they are less of a person because of something they cannot change about themselves. Society places the disabled in a category by themselves, as an outcast from modern civilization. We think that if we include the disables in everyday activities we could all one day become the same.

Everyone wants to live a normal life, without others looking at them differently for a disability that they can not control. Many disabled people are living completely normal lives, when others are physically or mentally struggling to the point that they can not function normally. People in this world, including our media, does not seem to focus on the disabled people who are living life and properly functioning. They would rather keep attention on the ones who are stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of their life, and believe that their life is over. Whether you are disabled or not, we all have the same potential in life as the other. Mairs, Anaya, and my cousin’s story all proved that people view disabled people differently, however that is soon to change.

Merriam-Webster defines disability as, “the condition of being disabled; limitation in the ability to pursue an occupation because of a physical or mental impairment; a program providing financial support to one affected by disability; lack of legal qualification to do something; a disqualification, restriction, or disadvantage” (1), but what does being disabled or at a disadvantage really mean? In the definition, variations of the word qualify are used more than once, meaning that from the viewpoint of society, people with disabilities do not meet whatever the required standards of life are in this world and in their state, they are not capable of doing so. Who are we to stereotype and stigmatize those of us who are incapacitated, according to the world, of doing, thinking, attaining, and achieving certain things, whether they be privileges, monies, lifestyles, or any other thing that a “normal” member of society would naturally be able to come across?

From just a glance my education seems like nothing out of the ordinary. I grew up in a nice, suburban town with a great public-school system. I took mostly honors and advanced placement classes throughout my high school career and exceled at them. I was never the smartest in my grade, but my academic performance was never something that one should be ashamed about. On paper, I appeared to be a normal, well performing student. Except that wasn’t the case. In first grade, I was diagnosed with ADHD. This didn’t come as a surprise to my parents or my pediatrician, but it did stir up questions regarding the affect my disability would have on my personal and academic life. Some of the affects were already appearing in the classroom. Sitting still at my desk was a near impossibility. Almost as impossible as completing all my work on time. I was already falling behind and it was only first grade. Concerned my mom went to the school to see what they could do.

What are the four separate categories of Special Educational Needs and constituent sub-categories, as detailed in the S.E.R.C. report?

My passion for the rights and advancement of people with disabilities started after my son Jacob (name used with his permission) was born with special needs. I accepted this new life path and absorbed myself in knowledge. Management at his early intervention program recognized my drive, commitment, love and leadership skills and sent me to attend trainings, workshops and conferences on their behalf, in return, I created and presented in-service trainings for parents and staff. As a single parent, I embraced this method of acquiring knowledge, skills and resources in a journey I am still forging.

I was introduced to the notion of disability at a very young age when my sister was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and developmental delay. Throughout my childhood and into adolescence, I got involved in volunteering at hospitals, special education classes and events focused on disability. This was the first step in allowing me to discover my interest in studying health. My bachelor’s education in Health Sciences at Western University opened my eyes to the barriers within healthcare delivery and the way health systems work. Although I found these topics very interesting, I was looking for a way to incorporate my curiosity about disability into my studies. Being on the executive committee of the Health Science Students Association, I had the opportunity to connect with many interesting people. I was notified by one of my peers that there was a Research Assistant opportunity within the Physical Therapy department, and was urged to do some research on Dr. Doreen Bartlett. When it came to my attention that Doreen was doing research that involved cerebral palsy I was immediately drawn to the study topic.

18.5% of American children under the age of eighteen have special needs. There are four basic types of special needs: Physical, Developmental, Behavioral/Emotional, and Sensory Impaired. According the the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children have a (MEB) mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. In fact, the number one health problem concerning children in America are MEB disorders; due to the rising rate of such disorders, it is important that we work to help these children overcome daily challenges and feel accepted in society.

The implications and understandings developed in class were a gateway in applying it to real world work. Being given the opportunity to volunteer at The Continuum, I was able to understand the meaning of disability in the lives of others. I saw firsthand how access, knowledge, and care can transform a person’s daily life in all aspects. With educative modules on assistive technology, culture and care, family issues, and many others, I was able to transform my perspective and practice what I am currently learning in the classroom. The Continuum provides a ReGenerations Adult Day Club for “individuals who may deal with Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Stroke Recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and M.S.”. This program is fundamental in providing an array of different care, and I found it to be beneficial for more than just their members. Through my 15 hours of volunteer experience with The Continuum, I analyzed how a person’s disability can be managed and addressed using a variety of techniques and methods, in caring for individuals.

There are many different types of disabilities that exist. Whether it be a learning, medical, or physical disability, they will all take tolls on one’s life. Disabilities are but a mere stepping stone on the path to success. In a way, everyone experiences some sort of a disability in their lifetime. I was presented with the opportunity to spend a day simulating a physical disability. I chose to use crutches for a day to learn what life was like with a broken foot, and boy was it eye-opening