Disability is a social construction that has evolved, influenced by cultural, historical, and political factors. Disablement is more than just a medical condition; it is a complex social phenomenon encompassing a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive differences. It is a social construct that should be viewed as part of a person’s identity rather than solely in medical terms, and society should strive for accessibility for all people, regardless of their abilities.
When people without disabilities construct the concept of disability, it can lead to marginalization, exclusion, and discrimination of people with health conditions or impairments. Only using medical terms to define disability can lead to an incomplete and distorted understanding of what it truly means to be disabled. It can lead to the perception of these people as inferior, abnormal, or broken, as well as social, economic, and political barriers that limit their opportunities and experiences.
Furthermore, depicting disabled people in the media and popular culture is frequently problematic, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. Disabled people are frequently portrayed in popular culture as helpless, dependent, or tragic, reinforcing the stereotype that disability equals weakness. Such portrayals can hurt the self-esteem of people with disabilities by implying that they are incapable of living fulfilling lives and must rely on the pity and charity of non-disabled people.
Moreover, portrayals like this can contribute to a culture of empathy and charity rather than empowerment and inclusion. Individuality and unique experiences of disabled people are frequently overlooked when they are viewed solely through the lens of their impairment. That kind of representations can increase the feeling of separation and loneliness among people with disabilities by implying that they are not fully integrated into society and rely on strangers’ generosity to survive. Individuals with disabilities, on the other hand, are just as capable of leading fulfilling lives as those without disabilities. However, they may require accommodations or assistance to participate fully in society. It is incredibly crucial to redirect attention from what disabled individuals cannot do to the things they can perform and to acknowledge that disability is only one characteristic of their identity.
Allowing the able-bodied to construct the concept of disability also has the potential to obscure the diversity and complexity of disabled people’s experiences. Disability is not a one-size-fits-all condition; different disabilities can significantly affect a person’s life. In addition, disabled people have complicated identities that reflect a range of identities and aspects, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Permitting those without disabilities to define the concept of disability can consequence in a limited and standard view of disabled people, ignoring their uniqueness and exclusiveness.
Athlete Chuck Aoki (2016) has spoken about his experiences as a wheelchair user and how his disability is a part of his identity. He emphasizes viewing disability as a social construct rather than a medical condition. Aoki supports for a standpoint in which disability is viewed as a source of resilience and power rather than a restriction. He has also spoken out against ableism, a system of bias and discrimination against disabled people, in hopes of encouraging the growth of a more inclusive and accessible society.
Finally, disability is a social construct influenced by cultural, historical, and political factors. Permitting able-bodied to identify disabilities may have severe consequences, such as reinforcing negative stereotypes and miscommunications, limiting the chances and adventures of people with disabilities, and not considering the multifaceted nature of their lives. Acknowledging disability as an essential part of a person’s identity is vital. Society must work hard to be more welcoming and easily accessible, where values and recognition of the contributions of all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
References
Aoki C., (2016). Wheelchair is part of my identity. Official website of the Paralympic Movement. Web.