Introduction
People with disabilities constitute a considerable part of the world population. Different impairments pose specific restrictions and needs to those they affect. Apart from the apparent physical impacts, individuals with disabilities may suffer from low social inclusion, restricted access to facilities or services, and other issues related to limitations caused by their condition. This paper discusses the socio-emotional impacts on populations with mobility disability, deafness, and Down syndrome.
Mobility Disability
Individuals who move around in wheelchairs suffer both in physical and socio-emotional dimensions. The nature of their impairment is that they cannot move on their own, which complicates access to places that psychically fit people can quickly enter. As Mackelprang et al. (2021) note, wheelchair accommodation in restaurants, theaters, and other places is on the verge of segregation, as these people are forced to stay in the back or inconvenient locations.
Moreover, due to their physical movement restrictions, these people often experience emotional crises. Also, in times of disaster, individuals with mobility disabilities are highly likely not to be saved as they may be living alone and may not call out for help to reach the place of evacuation (Shakespeare et al., 2021). I think societies need to increase the opportunities for inclusion and work on equal seating in public places. Additionally, it is necessary to create options for immobile people to participate in sporting and educational events on the same terms as others instead of establishing entirely different leagues.
Deafness
Deaf people are likely to lack autonomy and independence from an early age. Parents of deaf children do not give them much freedom due to being afraid that they will get harmed by others (Mackelprang et al., 2021). Deaf individuals often feel embarrassed or stigmatized due to their impairment (Lucas et al., 2018). While they can go anywhere and choose convenient places in different locations, they may suffer from the lack of sign language translation. I suggest employing sign language professionals in museums, theaters, and other places to counteract the challenges experienced by these individuals.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that appears as a result of trisomy 21. While many other developmental disorders take time to detect, this can be observed at the early stages of pregnancy (Ganie & Jangam, 2022). Individuals with this disability often suffer from stigma, social exclusion, and teasing. However, societies make increasing efforts to welcome Down syndrome persons in all aspects of life. Employers are more willing than ever to invite Down syndrome people to their teams. Let us work on educational inclusion more effectively so that every child with Down syndrome can benefit from communicating with peers and teachers regularly and not just under exceptional circumstances. Involving influencers in spreading information about support for Down syndrome individuals could also serve as a great incentive.
Conclusion
Despite the number of initiatives taken to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society’s functioning, there is still much to be done in this direction. Physical restrictions, as well as social and emotional burdens, create obstacles in the lives of people with impairments. Every member of society needs to help such individuals accommodate and feel equal and welcome.
References
Ganie, A. U. R., & Jangam, K. V. (2022). Down syndrome: Need for inclusion and social care to make Down rightperfect. Indian Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(1-2). Web.
Lucas, L., Katiri, R., & Kitterick, P. T. (2018). Thepsychological and social consequences of single-sided deafness in adulthood. International Journal of Audiology, 57(1), 21-30. Web.
Mackelprang, R. W., Salsgiver, R. O., & Parrey, R. C. (2021). Disability: A diversity model approach in human service practice (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Shakespeare, T., Ndagire, F., & Seketi, Q. F. (2021). Triple jeopardy: Disabled people and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lancet, 397(10282), 1331-1333. Web.