Disability As A Means Of Innovation ✓ Solved

DISABILITY AS A MEANS OF INNOVATION

For this assignment, investigate the following topic: Covid-19 and Disability. There is great discussion and distress around the subject of societal responses to Covid-19 as it relates to people with disabilities. Whether it be people with medical disabilities/pre-existing conditions, or people with a mental health, developmental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities, the experience of quarantine, social distancing, and the question of receiving medical or other assistance are daunting for many people with disabilities and their loved ones. However, most nondisabled people remain unaware of how the Coronavirus is threatening the lives and life quality of people in the disability community.

Your task is to learn about how Covid-19 is affecting people with disabilities and then write a thoughtful summary response using the criteria below.

  • Introduction - A paragraph giving an overview of what you have researched and plan on presenting in your paper.
  • 3 References & Summaries - Write a paragraph summarizing each online or hard copy reference (3 paragraphs total) and the main points or perspectives made with that reference. Within each paragraph, include the website link to the readings, blogs, and/or online videos you utilized in your inquiry.
  • Class Connections - In 1-2 paragraphs, make the connection between 2 of the following fundamental areas and how they relate to this topic: Ableism, Social Model of Disability, Accessibility, Accommodations, Assistive technology, Disability rights, Respectful language, Eugenics.
  • Reflection - In 1-2 paragraphs reflect on the following prompts: I used to think that… Why did you think that? Now I think that… Why do you think that now? What changed in your thinking?
  • Closing - In 1 paragraph, explain how disability is a tool or a means of innovation? How has the Covid-19 discussion evolved toward new possibilities as a result of disability representation? Or how has it not evolved toward new possibilities? Explain.
  • Language - Throughout your paper, use of person-first language is required. Respectful language is required. Inspiration porn is unacceptable. Proper disability-related language etiquette is required.

Paper For Above Instructions

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted numerous disparities faced by individuals with disabilities, adding urgency to the discourse around ableism and accessibility. The intersection between the pandemic and disability reveals systemic failures that necessitate reform to create a more inclusive society. Throughout my research, I found that the pandemic has not only exacerbated existing inequalities but has also opened new avenues for innovation in policies and practices that serve people with disabilities. In this paper, I will explore the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with disabilities, present summaries of relevant literature, and make connections to fundamental areas such as ableism and disability rights.

1. References & Summaries

1. Link: NIH: COVID-19 and Disability - This article by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development discusses the heightened risks faced by individuals with disabilities during the pandemic. Key points include increased health vulnerabilities and the need for tailored communication concerning health guidelines. The pandemic has created a scenario where vital resources must be disseminated in accessible formats to ensure individuals with disabilities stay informed and safe.

2. Link: Disability Rights: The Impact of COVID-19 - This resource outlines the intersection of disability rights and the COVID-19 crisis, emphasizing legal protections for individuals with disabilities. It notes that during the pandemic, many have faced discrimination in medical settings. I learned that many disability rights advocates are working tirelessly to alleviate these inequities by advocating for policy changes that remove barriers to care.

3. Link: The Atlantic: Reassessing Disability in the Pandemic - This article reflects on how COVID-19 challenges traditional perceptions of disability and highlights the necessity of viewing disability as an integral part of societal fabric rather than a separate issue. It discusses how the pandemic has highlighted the need for accessibility in a rapidly changing world, showcasing that disability can drive innovation in technology and public health initiatives.

2. Class Connections

In examining the impact of COVID-19 through the lens of ableism, it becomes clear that societal perceptions of disability contribute directly to the disregard for disabled individuals' needs. Ableism manifests in the systemic failures to accommodate and include people with disabilities, as demonstrated by the shortages of accessible health resources during the pandemic. This failure emphasizes the need to shift towards the Social Model of Disability, which advocates for societal changes to eliminate barriers rather than placing the burden solely on the individual.

Additionally, accessibility is another key area deeply intertwined with the pandemic experience. The sudden shift to digital platforms for education and services overlooked the needs of those requiring assistive technology. This situation has sparked discussions about the necessity for inclusive practices that ensure equal access to information and support systems, ultimately leading to innovations that can benefit society as a whole.

3. Reflection

I used to think that disability issues were a niche concern, mainly affecting a small segment of the population. I thought this because I was largely unaware of the broad spectrum of disabilities and the societal implications they have on everyday life. To me, disability was defined through a medical lens, focusing on limitations rather than contributions.

Now I think that disability representation is crucial for societal progress and innovation. The pandemic has dramatically reshaped my perception, illustrating how societal structures often exclude disabled individuals. My understanding of disability has shifted from a single-faceted viewpoint to a recognition of how interdependent societal functions are, and how innovation can arise from these conversations.

4. Closing

Disability serves as a tool for innovation by challenging the status quo and encouraging new solutions to old problems. The unique perspectives of individuals with disabilities can inspire design thinking in various fields, including technology, public health, and education. The COVID-19 discourse has evolved significantly, pushing organizations to rethink how they define accessibility and inclusion. While some of the progress has been promising, there remains a substantial gap between recognition and actionable change.

References

Related Assignments