Introduction
The world has witnessed a drastic change in service delivery for individuals with disabilities. Initially, countries relied on a “medical model” that viewed persons with disabilities as tormented by particular diseases. Therefore, they offered services that aimed at treating the diseases. Feuerstein, Rand, and Rynders (2013) maintain that the medical model did not facilitate the provision of quality services as it resulted in institutionalization. The persons with disabilities were isolated from society and families. Besides, the medical model held that some individuals deserved more attention than others. Eventually, the model resulted in discrimination. Presently, society has come up with diverse opinions regarding the provision of quality services to people with disabilities. This paper will discuss what amounts to quality service delivery for persons with disabilities.
Provision of Quality Services
Provision of quality services to persons with disabilities entails addressing the environmental and attitudinal hurdles created by the community, which impede the autonomy and contribution of persons with disabilities. Society ought to appreciate and respect the rights of persons with disabilities. The initial step towards the provision of quality services to individuals with disabilities entails involving them in decision-making (Feuerstein et al., 2013). An organization can offer quality services if it adopts a person-centered approach to dealing with persons with disabilities. Capacity building is paramount when dealing with individuals with disabilities. Organizations should help persons with disabilities to take control of their workstations. In other words, they should design and organize operations in line with the needs of physically challenged persons.
The family members, community, and institutions should offer services that not only focus on the needs of the persons with disabilities but also meet their goals and capitalize on their strengths. Quality services are those that help persons with disabilities to integrate into the community. The services consider not only the identity of the individuals but also their aspirations, interests, and heritage. Paying attention to the culture, religious belief, gender, age and marital status of the affected persons can help to enhance the quality of services.
Provision of quality services entails allowing persons with disabilities to manage the process of service delivery. The organizations should ensure that there are limited restrictions on the options that a person with a disability can take. They should empower persons with disabilities and allow them to work in areas that meet their interests regardless of their physical challenges.
Provision of quality services to individuals with disabilities entails making sure that all people have access to the services. It also involves treating all people equally, fairly and exercising transparency (Hammel et al., 2008). Society ought to support individuals with disabilities even when services are unavailable. People with disabilities should be enlightened on where, when, and how to utilize the available services. Moreover, the services must be flexible to accommodate changes in the needs of the individual beneficiaries. Embracing a culture of constant upgrading goes a long way towards maintaining the quality of the services delivered. People have to offer services in a safe, respectful, and ethical manner. Indeed, service delivery should be in line, if not surpass the established legal requirements. For instance, at workplaces, organizations should ensure that they facilitate the mobility of persons with disabilities by providing lifts. All services must have important impacts on persons with disabilities. The service delivery should not infringe on people’s right to self-determination. Disability is not inability. Individuals with disabilities should be allowed to make independent choices.
Conclusion
Provision of quality services to individuals with disabilities entails eliminating the environmental, social, and attitudinal hurdles that prevent them from exploiting their full potential. Besides, it requires allowing persons with disabilities to manage the process of service delivery. Quality services must meet the needs of individuals with disabilities as well as uphold and respect their rights.
References
Feuerstein, R., Rand, Y., & Rynders, J. (2013). Don’t accept me as I am: Helping “retarded” people to excel, New York: Routledge.
Hammel, J., Magasi, S., Heinemann, A., Whiteneck, G., Bogner, J., & Rodriguez, E. (2008). What does participation mean? An insider perspective from people with disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 30(19), 1445-1460.