Disability As A Means Of Innovation: 15 Points For This Ass

Disability As A Means Of Innovation 15 Points for This Ass

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 quality of life 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. Responses must be in paragraph format underneath respective questions or sections. Margins should be 1 inch, font 12-point, double-spaced, and the paper should be at least 2 pages long.

Required Content

Introduction - 2 points

Provide a paragraph giving an overview of what you have researched and plan on presenting in your paper.

3 References & Summaries - 6 points

Write a paragraph summarizing each online or hard copy reference (three paragraphs total) and the main points or perspectives made with that reference. Include the website link to each reading, blog, or online video used in your inquiry.

Class Connections - 2 points

In 1-2 paragraphs, make the connection between two 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, or reflection.

Reflection - 2 points

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 - 2 points

In 1 paragraph, explain how disability is a tool or a means of innovation. Discuss how the Covid-19 discussion has evolved toward new possibilities as a result of disability representation or how it has not evolved in that direction.

Language - 1 point

Throughout your paper, use person-first language unless you are a person with a disability who prefers identity-first language and have indicated this within your paper. Respectful language is required. Inappropriate language such as inspiration porn is unacceptable. Refer to the â€Disability-Related Language in Written Assignments†document in Blackboard for guidance.

Paper For Above instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted society’s understanding of health, resilience, and inclusion, especially concerning individuals with disabilities. As society grappled with unprecedented restrictions, such as social distancing and quarantine, the vulnerabilities and strengths within the disability community became especially evident. The influence of the pandemic has driven a discourse around accessibility, the importance of assistive technology, and the need for societal shifts that promote equity and inclusion. This paper explores the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities, evaluates relevant scholarly and online sources, and reflects on how disability has emerged as a tool for innovation amid adversity.

Research indicates that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected individuals with disabilities, often exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), persons with disabilities are at increased risk of severe illness due to underlying health conditions and barriers to accessing healthcare (WHO, 2020). For example, many individuals with sensory disabilities faced communication challenges when public health information was not accessible in formats suitable for them. The digital divide also became more pronounced during the pandemic, as many reliance on technology for social connection, medical appointments, and daily activities highlighted systemic inequities (Shakespeare et al., 2020). This reference emphasizes the need for accessible health communication and digital inclusion to ensure equity in crisis response.

Another significant source from the CDC explores how emergency responses can fail to accommodate the diverse needs of the disability community. The CDC underscores the importance of inclusive planning, such as accessible shelters, emergency alerts in multiple formats, and ensuring that assistive technologies remain operational during crises (CDC, 2020). A notable example involves the shortage of PPE and medical supplies, which often overlooked the specific needs of people with disabilities, either through inaccessible distribution channels or lack of priority in emergency planning. These insights advocate for systemic change towards a disability-inclusive approach, fostering resilience and safety for all individuals during public health emergencies.

A third source from a blog by the Accessibility Plus organization highlights how the pandemic has spurred innovation in assistive technology. Remote work, virtual healthcare, and online learning have accelerated adoption of tools such as speech recognition, captioning, and adaptive software that serve not only people with disabilities but the broader population (Accessibility Plus, 2021). This adaptation has demonstrated that inclusive design can lead to innovations that benefit everyone, fostering a more accessible society. The blog underscores that embracing disability as a source of innovation can transform societal approaches to technology and support systems, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and inclusivity.

Class Connections

One fundamental area linked to the COVID-19 impact on people with disabilities is the social model of disability, which posits that disability arises not solely from impairments but from societal barriers that limit participation (Oliver, 1996). The pandemic exposed these barriers vividly, such as inaccessible information and services, which hindered people with disabilities from fully engaging with health and social systems. Another related area is accessibility, encompassing physical, digital, and communication aspects. The pandemic revealed gaps in accessibility, underscoring the critical importance of designing inclusive environments. Together, these areas highlight that societal structures and attitudes significantly influence the experiences of disabled individuals, especially during crises, and that removing barriers can foster greater resilience and equity.

Reflection

Initially, I thought that the challenges faced by people with disabilities during COVID-19 were primarily due to their individual health conditions. I believed that healthcare needs and concerns were the main issues affecting their well-being. However, I now realize that much of the inequality stems from societal barriers—such as inaccessible information, lack of accommodations, and systemic neglect—that amplifies these challenges (Hahn, 1983). My understanding has evolved from viewing disability as an individual problem to recognizing it as a societal issue that requires inclusive solutions. This shift has been influenced by reading about the systemic nature of barriers and the creative ways in which technologies and policy changes are addressing these inequities.

Closing

Disability has become a vital tool for innovation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by inspiring new technologies, approaches, and perspectives that benefit all. The pandemic has accelerated the development of accessible tools such as virtual communication platforms, captioning, and telehealth, which exemplify how inclusive design can lead to societal advancement. As the discourse around disability has expanded, it has opened possibilities for reimagining societal structures to promote universal accessibility and participation. Conversely, in some instances, the pandemic has failed to foster such inclusive evolution, with systemic inequities persisting or worsening. Overall, the increased visibility of disability challenges has spurred a shift towards recognizing that innovation rooted in inclusivity benefits everyone and is essential for a resilient and equitable society.

References

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