Discussion: Disability Law and Policy
It seems that every quarter when we address disability-related laws and policies, someone always says, that "disabled people should be treated like everyone else". Stop saying this! Why does this bother me? Because, it suggests that EVERYONE else is treated well by the world in which we live. We know this is not true. Further, it still sets disabled people apart from "everyone else" because, if they should be treated LIKE them, then they must not actually be them. Finally, it bothers me because so many of the people who say this are themselves members of marginal and oppressed groups and when they say this about disabled people, for both reasons mentioned above, they are ignoring that they themselves are not treated 'like everyone else'. In effect, it makes me angry...and then sad. What do you think?
Similarly, so much talk of disability laws and policies implies that these things are "improving the lives" of disabled people. In contrast, I'd suggest that these laws and policies are in place to improve the quality of opportunities available to disabled people. What do you think is the difference between these two descriptors?
You'll notice that both the lecture and the book begin with a thinking through the foundational beliefs underlying laws/policies before detailing specific things. Why do you think we take this approach or, put another way, is there value in doing so?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.