Integrated, Independent, and Fulfilled.
Individuals with disabilities face several challenges and barriers. Comedian and Journalist Stella Young says, “No amount of smiling at a flight of stairs has ever made it turn into a ramp. No amount of standing in the middle of a bookshelf and radiating a positive attitude is going to turn all those books into braille.” Real progress requires real change – societal change.
Attitudinal Barriers
These barriers result from the opinions of other people. The Centers for Disease Control explains, “Attitudinal barriers are the most basic and contribute to other barriers. For example, some people may not be aware that difficulties in getting to or into a place can limit a person with a disability from participating in everyday life and common daily activities” (CDC, para. 3). Examples include stereotyping, discrimination, prejudice, or stigma. Understanding disability as a societal issue and not an individual shortcoming is a step in overcoming such barriers.
Physical Barriers
Obstacles limiting accessibility to the physical environment, whether natural or manmade, serve as barriers to those with disabilities. For example, curbs or steps blocking someone with an impairment from entering a building or utilizing a sidewalk (CDC, para. 9). Able-bodied individuals take for granted what could be considered a limitation to an individual with a disability. For example, overgrown bushes, plush carpet in a movie theatre, or an ice-covered ramp (KU Life Span Institute, para. 9).
Social Barriers
Social barriers stem from conditions where people “are born, grow, live, learn, work, and age” (CDC, para. 12). The Center describes:
- In 2017, 35.5% of people with disabilities, ages 18 to 64 years, were employed, while 76.5% of people without disabilities were employed, about double that of people with disabilities.
- People with disabilities are more likely to have an income of less than $15,000 compared to people without disabilities, 22.3% compared to 7.3%.
- Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than children without disabilities.
Attitudinal, physical, and social obstacles are prevalent within society. The question becomes, how do we recognize and combat these barriers?
Step One: Community Integration
Participating in the local community is not only a fun activity but also necessary for fulfillment. There are “tangible benefits in the form of improved friendships and enhanced emotional well-being” for individuals with disabilities (Training and Tracking Solutions, para. 3). Community integration can be broken down into four main aspects: participation in activities of interest, developing genuine relationships, recognizing unique contributions, and equal exchange of support and value (Training and Tracking Solutions, para. 5).
Step Two: Independence
Inclusion leads to independence. Education International explains, “To foster inclusivity, we must prioritize identifying and removing these barriers. Schools and workplaces need accessible toilets, entrances, and adaptable resources, while society needs to shift its perspective to focus on capabilities rather than limitations (para. 3). Instead of labeling the person, change the obstacle. Rewire the close-minded mentality and remove physical barriers.
Step Three: Full Lives
At Echoing Hills, we understand and address the specific challenges of each individual. It is a critical piece of our mission, as all levels of our organization must provide those within our community the best life that we can offer.
https://lifespan.ku.edu/news/article/2023/05/08/be-aware-5-barriers-impact-people-disabilities
https://www.cdc.gov/disability-inclusion/barriers/index.html#cdc_generic_section_4-physical-barriers
