Disability in Society

Directions: Provide a comprehensive response to each question. Your responses must be very detailed and provide specific information from the assigned readings to support your responses. Most of the questions were developed directly from the assigned textbook. All responses must be 12-point font, single-spaced, Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins. Additionally, instead of using direct quotes from the book, you must paraphrase (summarize in your own words) and then provide citation (e.g., Smart, 2012, p. ?). Your goal is to provide your opinion, and provide evidence to support your opinion.

Textbook:

Smart, J. (2016). Disability, society, and the individual (3^rd ed.). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

Pages 9 – 352 only

• What is second-class citizenship and in which ways do people with disabilities experience this phenomenon? In which ways has the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) reduced or promoted the “second-class citizenship” experience for people with disabilities (note: include a detailed description of the ADA’s report card in your response)? How might the political climate and economic hardship of the United States’ economy influence the services provided to people with disabilities? How has the hierarchy of stigma closely paralleled the history of American disability law (note: include a discussion related to the four societal responses to disability in your response)? 8 points
• Another faculty member in a different program at school contacted me last semester regarding a class she hoped to propose for future semesters. The class she hopes to develop is titled the “blind experience.” She told me there would be several simulation exercises that show students the difficulties that people who are blind or with visual impairments have to deal with. Using information from this course AND the assigned reading, what information might be pertinent for her to consider when developing the course and teaching the content (note: In your response, you should include a discussion related to simulation exercises, and impression management)? How might this course increase sympathy towards disability? Does this course promote stigma or reduce it, please explain your response. 6 points
• Julie Smart indicated that the depiction of people with disabilities in the media is a type of socially sanctioned discrimination and that disability is viewed as a symbol (most often for negative characteristics). Furthermore, she claimed that the mass media portrays other minorities more accurately than people with disabilities. What was she referring to when she made these claims? Do you agree or disagree with her claims? Provide a detailed response explaining your point of view. [7 points]
• In what ways are the following concepts related to increased prejudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities, the devaluing of the lives of people with disabilities, and the lack of inclusion of people with disabilities within society: (a) simulation exercises, (b) impression management, (c) “disabled heroes”, (d) assisted suicide, (e) automatic abortion of fetuses with disabilities? Additionally, how does Patrick Corrigan’s public stigma model (i.e., stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination) relate to Infanticide of Newborns with Disabilities? 8 points
• Explain the concept of Pity, Role Entrapment, and Objectification. How might these influence your own stereotypes and prejudices? 6 points
• Julie Smart made the claim that people with disabilities can internalize society’s false stereotypes. Furthermore, she indicated that seemingly positive stereotypes about people with disabilities might be handicapping. Describe what the two statements above mean. Additionally, list and describe the three factors that serve to maintain and reinforce false stereotypes. [10 points]
• What is meant by the following passage: My attendant is an extension of my body. It takes a very emotionally strong as well as spiritually strong person to understand that and not resent it. If I do not direct the person, then I am dependent on that person. Then I am not autonomous and ultimately it is harder on the attendant. I made it very clear that I am not making decisions for them, only for myself (Panzarino, 1993, p. 111). 5 points