Category: Disabilities

The number of students with the identified intellectual disability (ID) has increased in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia because the field of special education in the country has been experiencing active growth since 1995. The focus on a range of service delivery models and specific mainstreaming programs for non-traditional disability categories can be viewed as the most distinctive characteristics of this development of the trend. Thus, the number of students with ID who use special education services in Saudi Arabia increased from 2,250 in 1992 to 20,576 in 2015 (Battal, 2016). It is possible to state that these tendencies in education for students with ID have created a unique opportunity for more young individuals to receive appropriate, high-quality services.

Currently, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) defines intellectual disability as a specific developmental condition that is typified by considerable deficits in not only a person’s intellectual functioning but also his or her adaptive behavior skills, such as practical, social, and conceptual ones. This disability is typically observed and diagnosed under the age of 18 (Tassé, Luckasson, & Schalock, 2016). Another definition of ID is according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Sec. 300.8 (c)(6)): “significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the development period, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance” (Cavanaugh, 2017, p. 154). This definition by the IDEA, in its essence, is similar to that one provided by the AAIDD.

Students with intellectual disabilities can be classified as having mild to severe impairment depending on the demonstration of their skills and behavior strategies in multiple areas and contexts in terms of social participation. According to Chowhan and Patowary (2018), students with different intellectual disabilities can significantly benefit from learning and training their adaptive behavior skills (ABS). According to the AAIDD, adaptive behavior is associated with demonstrating practical, social, and various conceptual skills that are usually learned to effectively function in their life (Tassé et al., 2016). In this context, considerable limitations in students’ ABS can have a significant undesirable effect on their routine life and negatively affect their capacity to respond to a variety of situations and their surroundings (Santos, 2014). These particular skills include social ones, such as maintaining one’s self-esteem, focusing on responsibility, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Practical skills include self-help skills, occupational skills, focusing on personal care and dressing, and schedules and routines among others (Oakland & Harrison, 2011). The area of conceptual skills includes reading, writing, self-direction, as well as money and time management.

In order to address the deficits of ABS among students having ID, it is necessary to conduct assessments and identify specific adaptive skills that these students can find challenging. Later, these assessments and associated results should be included in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP). According to Reschly, Myers, and Hartel (2002), information on these important aspects is mostly deficient in its nature and quality being contingent on imperfect and inadequate measures of these essential constructs. Thus, practitioners’ judgment is critical when deciding on the best approach to assessing individuals’ adaptive and intellectual functioning, as well as when interpreting the results. Four assessment tools are important for identifying adaptive behavior and skills: the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS), the Scale of Independent Behavior (SIB), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) (Oakland & Harrison, 2011). These scales need to be discussed in detail with a focus on their purpose.

The Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) was developed by the AAIDD, and currently, the second edition of the scale is used. According to Dixon (2007), this scale is appropriate to assess children and adolescents aged between three and 21 years regarding their independence in a community, social interactions, and participation in social activities. The ABS is usually administered through providing a child’s guardian or parent with a questionnaire or conducting an interview (Paskiewicz, 2009; Santos, 2014; Price, Morris, & Costello, 2018). The scale is effective to assess children’s language development, numeracy skills, the extent of independent social functioning, as well as personal responsibility and self-direction.

The Scale of Independent Behavior (SIB) was developed by Robert H. Bruininks, Richard F. Weatherman, Richard W. Woodcock, and Bradley K. Hill in 1984. The revised version of the scale (SIB-R) was released in 1996. The scale measures an individual’s independent functioning in a variety of social settings that include a person’s home, school, workplace, and community, determining adaptive behavior skills. SIB-R is often used for assessment of ABS in individuals who are aged between three months and 80 years (Tassé & Mehling, 2017). The test is administered in the form of a questionnaire or an interview provided to parents and guardians when assessing children’s ABS.

Four main domains associated with adaptive behavior and measured with the help of the SIB-R are motor skills, social communication and interaction, community living, and personal living. As a result of conducting this assessment, evaluators receive the information regarding an individual’s development of gross-motor and fine-motor skills, interactions, the performance of daily routines, as well as skills in dressing and toileting (Walsh, Holloway, & Lydon, 2018; Weiss, Ting, & Perry, 2016). The scale is appropriate to help professionals determine whether the assessed person has problems with adaptive functioning and requires support and assistance.

The first version of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) was designed by Edgar A. Doll in 1935, and later it was revised several times. According to Doll, it was important to develop social maturity of students with ID in the context of special education classes in order to address their specific needs. The purpose of the scale was to measure individuals’ social competence, and the test was developed as appropriate for different age categories, including children and adolescents aged up to 19 years old (Yang, Paynter, & Gilmore, 2016). The assessment is based on measuring ABS within four key domains: daily living skills of assessed persons, motor skills, communication, and their socialization. Thus, questions in the scale cover such areas as self-help, self-direction, dressing, occupation, and socialization among others (Pugliese et al., 2015). An examiner receives an opportunity to compare the assessed individual’s scores with the results typical of a general population.

The discussed three scales are viewed as the most popular and effective measurement tools for determining individuals’ progress in adaptive behavior. As a result of using the ABS, the SIB-R, and the VABS, practitioners are able to identify the actual level of students’ functioning and adaptive behavior skills in cases when they have ID. The domains associated with persons’ social, practical, and cognitive skills are directly and fully addressed in the context of these three scales.

References

Battal, Z. M. B. (2016). Special education in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education, 5(2), 880-886.

Cavanaugh, L. K. (2017). Intellectual disabilities. In J. P. Winnick & D. L. Porretta (Eds.), Adapted physical education and sport (6th ed.) (pp. 153-174). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Chowhan, S., & Patowary, P. (2018). Issues and recent trends in the assessment and management of ID in childhood. In Management Association (Ed.), Autism spectrum disorders: Breakthroughs in research and practice (pp. 1-19). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Dixon, D. R. (2007). Adaptive behavior scales. International Review of Research in Mental Retardation, 34, 99-140.

Oakland, T., & Harrison, P. L. (2011). Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II: Clinical use and interpretation. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.

Paskiewicz, T. L. (2009). A comparison of adaptive behavior skills and IQ in three populations: Children with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and autism. Retrieved from Temple University Libraries. (3344403)

Price, J., Morris, Z., & Costello, S. (2018). The application of adaptive behaviour models: A systematic review. Behavioral Sciences, 8(2), 11-28.

Pugliese, C. E., Anthony, L., Strang, J. F., Dudley, K., Wallace, G. L., & Kenworthy, L. (2015). Increasing adaptive behavior skill deficits from childhood to adolescence in autism spectrum disorder: Role of executive function. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(6), 1579-1587.

Reschly, D. J., Myers, T. G., & Hartel, C. R. (Eds.). (2002). Mental retardation: Determining eligibility for social security benefits. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Santos, S. (2014). Adaptive behaviour on the Portuguese curricula: A comparison between children and adolescents with and without intellectual disability. Creative Education, 5(7), 501-509.

Tassé, M. J., Luckasson, R., & Schalock, R. L. (2016). The relation between intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior in the diagnosis of intellectual disability. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 54(6), 381-390.

Tassé, M. J., & Mehling, M. H. (2017). Measuring intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior in determining intellectual disability. In M. L. Wehmeyer & K. A. Shogren (Eds.), Handbook of research-based practices for educating students with intellectual disability (pp. 63-78). New York, NY: Routledge.

Walsh, E., Holloway, J., & Lydon, H. (2018). An evaluation of a social skills intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities preparing for employment in Ireland: A pilot study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(5), 1727–1741.

Weiss, J. A., Ting, V., & Perry, A. (2016). Psychosocial correlates of psychiatric diagnoses and maladaptive behaviour in youth with severe developmental disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 60(6), 583-593.

Yang, S., Paynter, J. M., & Gilmore, L. (2016). Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales: II profile of young children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(1), 64-73.

Overview

People with disabilities have always been regarded as being special and rightfully so. Despite this classification however, most of them in many societies still face obstacles that inhibit them from exercising their abilities effectively hindering their full participation in societal activities (Mooney et al. 2008, p. 67).

The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities/ or Persons’ with disabilities considers disability as a human rights issue (Dobson 2001, p. 100). Traditionally, disabled people have been marginalised in social and economic development programs by governments of different jurisdictions (Middleton 1999,P 12).

While progress has been made on many fronts in many regions of the world, the depth of the problems affecting disabled persons still paints a bleak situation for the vast majority of these people (Gordon et al 2000, p. 28).

Even in cases where concrete steps have been taken to reduce the marginalization of persons with disabilities while increasing their integration, there is still more that needs to be done (Beresford 2002, p. 147).

In such situations, there have been efforts promoting changes in the social fabric that includes liberation and empowerment of people with disabilities effectively enhancing their equalisation opportunities (Read et al 2010, p. 130). Such a community is the Jeddah community in Saudi Arabia whose initiatives towards promoting equal opportunity access by persons with disabilities has been exemplary.

Given Jeddah’s position and location in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to note therefore that some information that will be referred to here will be from Saudi Arabia policy documents on persons with disability (Marchant & Jones 2000, p. 72). Unless specified, the overall country policy is assumed to apply to all of Saudi Arabia including Jeddah.

Also, to note is that the analysis will pay special emphasis to children with disabilities. From time to time, the policy analysis may refer to the general policy that is present in Saudi Arabia or Jeddah without necessarily referring to children directly. However, since disabled persons include children, it should be assumed as such.

This theoretical perspective will first focus on the analysis of the general concept of disabled children care policy system in Saudi Arabia. There will also be a comparative analysis on the implementation of the disabled children policy in Jeddah and by extension Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, another comparative analysis will be carried out between the Jeddah policies and those of Egyptian and Emirates counterparts. The comparisons will be able to provide a clear picture of the Jeddah situation so that it will be easy to precisely come up with suited recommendations on what needs to be done.

General concept of disabled children cares policy system in Saudi Arabia

The care policy of disabled children in Jeddah is guided by the disability code of the country that lays down comprehensive mechanisms on the treatment of persons with disabilities (PSCDR 2011, P2).

The code generally refers to persons with disabilities without an explicit mention of children (Department of Health 1998, p. 13). However, because there is no discrimination on the basis of age on persons with disabilities the code is assumed to apply across the board.

The code consists of sixteen articles that define the terms associated with disability in Saudi Arabia, the role of the government in the welfare of disabled children, administration of the bodies concerned with disabled person, and the sources of funding of the bodies that formulate policies of persons with disabilities.

Article one considers disabled persons as those people with hindrances in terms of body, material, mental, communicative, academic and psychological capabilities (Colton and Roberts 2004, P 4).

According to the code a person is considered disabled if the hindrances inhibit his/her ability to meet the normal needs when compared with the person’s non-disabled counterparts. Specifically, persons with disabilities must be those that have visual, cognitive, motor, learning, speech, behavioral impediments and other impairments that require special care.

According to the code, the authorities must do everything possible to ensure prevention of occurrence of disabilities, habilitation and provision of welfare to the persons with disabilities. The code demands that the responsible authorities put in place medical, psychological informational and regulatory measures that will aid in preventing or minimizing the effect of disabilities.

The code demands that the state provide the persons with disabilities with welfare as necessitated by their level of disability and their medical as well as social situation.

Furthermore, the code requires that authorities provide habitation through a coordinated process that uses medical, social, psychological and educational facilities and services available to the state and private providers to enable persons with disability to achieve the highest degree of functional efficiency (McNeish et al (nd), p 9).

Habitation provided by the state is also required to ensure persons with disabilities are better equipped to adapt to their environmental needs besides increasing their level of independence.

One of the roles of the authorities according to the code’s article two is to encourage and guarantee welfare and habilitation services to persons with disabilities. The authorities are also required to help in raising funds for the disability courses through encouraging both institutions and individuals to contribute to disability oriented charitable activities.

The services that the government is required to guarantee include health, education, training and rehabilitation, work, culture and sports, information, complimentary services and social events.

Situation analysis

In Jeddah like it is in the larger Saudi Arabia, Sharia law emphasizes treatment of children with disabilities with dignity (Chaim 2007, p. 60). There have been concerted efforts focused on persons with disability especially after the launch of the social and economic development plans nearly twenty years ago.

The government provides appropriate welfare services to all children with disabilities as articulated in the country’s disabilities code. The services accorded by the government to children with disabilities are one so through the ministries of labour and social affairs, ministry of health and ministry of education (EBKSA 2000, p. 12).

Most services and programs concerning children with disabilities are based in the metropolitan areas of the country such as Jeddah.

In Jeddah, in line with the Saudi Arabia code of persons with disabilities and the Governorate’s goal of providing accessible and high quality services to all the residents, there have been developments that have specifically been designed to provide welfare services to children with disabilities.

They include daycare centres that provide rehabilitation services to children with special cases of disabilities between the ages of 3-12. These centres mainly work to help working parents whose commitments cannot allow them to provide enough care and attention.

There are also vocational rehabilitation centres in Jeddah that provide rehabilitation for males including young males who are not yet adults (EBKSA 2000, p. 16).

The trainees learn skills that make them competitive in the labour market. Besides, the Governorate has embarked on designing and development of “access all” infrastructure that ensures that physically challenged people including disabled children access them. Furthermore, there is a weekly bus to collect disabled people including children to take them to health centres, schools and social activities (Mufti 2000, p. 33).

Despite the developments however, there are a few issues that need to be addressed to ensure smooth implementation of the disabilities code in Jeddah and the larger Saudi Arabia.

There are no regular reports from the governorate on the number of children with disabilities that are specific on the types of disabilities and their distribution geographically (EBKSA 2000, p. 7). Additionally, there has been an overemphasis on the provision of healthcare services for the children with disabilities in Jeddah as oppose to the attention given to the children’s education and training.

Despite the existence of many royal foundations supporting children with disability, there is absolute lack of clarity on the type and quality of services that are rendered by these organizations (EBKSA 2000, p. 7). Additionally, there is need to emphasize on the improvement of services for persons as most of the resources from these foundations have so far been use in developing facilities and infrastructure.

Besides, there is need for organizations like the National Guard and the military to release statistics of children with disabilities for easier planning by governorates such as Jeddah. Currently, these institutions are extremely sensitive about such data rarely release it (Ham et al. 2004, p. 98).

The institutions catering for disabled children are mainly concentrated in Jeddah’s central areas. Though a good part of the governorate is urban, the outskirts are not as well served by these facilities as the central areas are (EBKSA 2000, p. 7).

Overall, the policy on the care of disabled children in Jeddah is exemplary. There is need however to polish on the areas highlighted above to improve on service delivery to children with disabilities.

KSA and Egypt

Unlike KSA, Egypt is more secular and information and statistics on persons with disability is readily available. The majority of causes of impairments in Egypt are caused by both economic and social factors.

The Egyptian policy on disability defines disabled persons as any individuals who are different from normal beings in terms of social, physical and psychological aspects to a level that warrants special attention, rehabilitation actions to help them achieve their potentials (Mont 2007, p. 72).

Though there have been subsequent amendments to the definition, the terms and the meanings remain largely the same. Compared to the KSA definition, the Egyptian one is a bit insensitive and shallow.

The definition limits its scope to people with mental, physical and psychological impairments leaving out people and in effect children with sensory and/hidden impairments. Additionally, the policy’s definition refers to normal people effectively implying that disabled people are not “normal”.

The policy has however been updated over the years to accommodate more groups of children with disability in Egypt to include those that are blind, had the use of only one eye, were ‘deaf and dumb’, have lost one or both upper limbs, have lost one or both lower limbs, or those that are considered to have severe or mild mental retardation.

By 1996, the categories of disabled people and children had been expended to include those that had polio, the deaf and dumb (Barnes & Mercer 2005, p. 147).

Like in KSA, there have been several laws and policies introduced in Egypt concerning the welfare if disabled people and children (Mufti 2000, p. 33). In 1950, the legislation on social welfare contained provisions dealing with the rehabilitation of disabled persons and children. After the 1952 revolution, four more laws were enacted by the Egyptian legislature that in order to secure the care of disabled people and children.

There is a marked difference in the implementation of these laws between Egypt and KSA. In KSA, the implementation is done by three ministries while in Egypt, it’s done by one; the Ministry of Social Affairs and Manpower. This responsibility is located on one department, an approach with both merits and demerits when compared to KSA in terms of coordination and communication.

One significant undoing of the Egyptian disability policy is the failure of reference to disability in other Egyptian laws (Marshall 2009, p. 87). Though the case can be compared to KSA, the Egyptian situation can is more severe because policy makers have developed a tendency to ignore disability issues in other departments (Gaad 2010, p. 84).

The lack of reference has led many bureaucrats in Egypt to view disability as merely a rehabilitation issue. It’s important to note that there have been no new legislations concerning disabled persons and children in Egypt in the last three decades. Compared to KSA therefore, The Egyptian care policy on disabled children is still archaic characterized with traditional, medical, individual as well as medical models of disability definition.

KSA and Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has perhaps the most comprehensive and well-defined policy on persons and children with disabilities among the three countries under discussion. Additionally, compared to KSA, and Egypt, the Emirates comprehensive statistics on persons and children with disabilities are easily available (Gaad 2010, p. 100).

The national as well as local governments have enacted legislations that ensure the welfare and rights of people with special needs are met (UNCRC 2001, p. 109). Unlike in KSA where the definition is more forthright, the definition in UAE considers people with impairments as people with special needs including disabled juveniles. Disabled people including juveniles in UAE constitute about 8% of the country’s total population.

The main categories of disability include persons and children with mental retardation, auditory impairment, physical and motor disability, autism and attention deficit disorder. The policy like that of KSA requires the above categories of persons and children are entitled to institutional care from both government and private hospitals.

The state through the Special Categories Welfare Department at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has rolled out through government centres elaborate programs catering for the disabled children and their family members (WHO 2005, p. 56).

In the centres the government has ensured disabled people and children access health and safety requirements as dictated by their conditions as well as activities programs and services that help them cope with their situations.

Besides, Special Categories Welfare department has in place programs primarily aimed at promoting disabled persons and children’s social integration. The activities entail participation in religious and national activities as well as other international and sporting and camping events by people with disabilities.

Overall, compared with KSA, UAE has developed and implemented an elaborate policy on persons and children with disabilities.

Literature Review

According to JICA the definition of disability in KSA is contained in the Labor and Workman Law (Article 51) that defines disabled people as people who have been incapacitated through mental and/ or physical infirmity and as a result cannot perform or maintain a suitable job (2002, p. 11).

In the case of children, the disability is viewed through incapacitation to live normally as other children of the same age through performance of age dependent activities.

In KSA, the policy on persons and children with disabilities is formulated on the basis of gender. The policies on persons with disability in KSA are contained in the sixth national development plan that covered 1992-2000 (JICA 2002, p. 13).

In the plan, items covering disability issues articulate that the government will intensify follow up and provision of healthcare for persons with disabilities as articulated in the various laws and council resolutions. The seventh development plan that covers years 2001-2005 calls for the encouragement of cooperation between the different organizations dealing with persons and children with disability.

Additionally the plan urges the cooperatives, charities and organizations involved in disability courses to develop economic and social projects including hospitals, private clinics and sanatoriums for better delivery of the services.

Because of the weighty issue of gender and separation of sexes in most Muslim countries, rehabilitation facilities for males and females in KSA are separated. However, statistics justifying the distribution of these facilities is not scarce. Most of the vocational rehabilitation centers for training are male.

Women on the other hand women form the majority of participants of social rehabilitation centers. In many places there are few or no rehabilitation centres offering training to females with disabilities (Eide & Ingstad 2011, p. 125).

The central government is charged with the overall responsibility of formulating and implementing the policy on disabled persons and children (Ibrahim et al. 2006, p. 92). This is done through the ministries of labour and social affairs, ministry of health and ministry of education.

Through these ministries, special departments operate special facilities dispensing rehabilitation and social adaptation, healthcare, disease control and prevention and education programs for people with disabilities (JICA, p. 23).

Local governments too are involved in the implementation of the policies of disabled persons and children. According to Epstein & Limage (2008) nearly all of the services on disabled persons and children in KSA that are run by the local authorities are concentrated in the urban areas like Jeddah. Majority of rural populations and nomadic tribes have difficulty accessing these services.

It’s important to note that majority of people with disabilities in KSA; 58% live in the rural areas. In other cases, communication breakdowns or lack of it and minimal coordination and cooperation between public and private organizations involved in disability programs has led to a duplication of efforts in the programs Epstein & Limage 2008, p. 42).

There have been numerous measures to help disables people and children in KSA. These measures are grouped into prevention, identification and early intervention, medical services and rehabilitation, education, social services and community based rehabilitation.

Through the policy of prevention, identification and early intervention, the authorities and private charities have identifies areas where efforts are being made to ensure disabled persons and children lead a normal life. They include genetic counseling of persons with disabilities, nutritional care, and ratification of international treaties banning land mines and child safety and injury prevention.

On medical services, the Ministry of Health of KSA has over the last twenty years established hospitals and rehabilitation centres such as King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, and the King Khalid Eye Hospital for persons and children with disabilities.

In these facilities, disabled people easily access physical, occupational, speech and hearing therapy to help them cope with their conditions. Additionally, these facilities offer disabled people prosthetic as well as orthotic services (Alexander & Hunter 2004, p. 99).

Education measures for person and children with disability date back to the 1970’s (Marchant & Martyn 1999, p. 32). The ministry of education is charged with the responsibility of managing institutions catering for children with disabilities.

Educational institutions such as the Noor Institute for the Blind, Amal Institute for the Deaf and the Institute for the Mentally Retarded are managed by the ministry of education and help in offering educational rehabilitation of children with disabilities. Additionally there is The Noor Institute for the Blind which has 10 centers, 264 staff and serves 625 visually impaired children.

There is also the Amal Institute for the Deaf that has 23 branches with additional units in certain public schools, approximately 3,000 students of both genders with hearing impairments and 606 qualified teachers (Alghazo, et al 2000, p. 78).

In addition to the above measures, the kingdom had rolled out numerous social measures that are meant to help people and children with disability (Putnam 2007, p. 43). They include inclusion of special, parking places at various institutions, artificial limbs and for people who need them and a subsidy of SR 10000 for all cab owners who modify their cars to accommodate people with special needs (JICA 2002, p. 24).

Moreover, the authorities have advanced education opportunities as part of the social programs. They include opportunities for persons with visual, hearing and speech problems as well as those with intellectual disabilities to receive special education overseen by the Ministry of Education and General Presidency for Girls’ Education (Teebi 2010, p. 26).

Under the social program, there is also an aid program from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs that advances an annual allowance of SR 10,000 for every paralyzed child. Persons and children catered for by their own families receive an annual allowance of SR 10, 000 (JICA 2002, p. 21).

The ministry of labour and social affairs also runs social rehabilitation centres that provide shelter and full board lodging to people and children with severe disabilities, multiple disabilities and severe intellectual disabilities. There are also polio care centres, day care centres and social education institutes all of which accommodate children with disabilities for rehabilitation and treatment (Ibrahim et al. 2006, p. 88).

It’s important to note that all the above measures are distributed in many parts of KSA including Jeddah. The policies that governorates and local authorities have formulated regarding care of disabled children are done so with guidance from national policies as directed by the ministries in charge (Shakespeare 2006, p. 58).

Furthermore, most of the policies tackled refer generally to persons with disabilities. As emphasized earlier, these terms are all encompassing thus in most cases it includes children. Disabled children benefit most from health and education and social policies hence the emphasis given to them (Abbott et al. 2000, p. 39).

Methodology

To examine the care policies of KSA, Jeddah, the study conducted semi structured interviews with senior management personnel at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of KSA. All the interviewees are based in KSA and have wide knowledge on the care policies of disabled persons and children. There are many reasons why interviews are preferred by researchers (Craig 2010, p. 78).

First, given the sensitivity of the information that was to be collected for the study and the bureaucracy and secrecy that characterize such official government data, many government personnel in KSA were reluctant to filling questionnaires. Many felt they were making a commitment and that they would easily be unmasked if anything became of the data collected.

As such, they were bound to hold some vital information that was crucial to the study. They were however comfortable with interviews because of the anonymity associated with it. Secondly, it was difficult to select a random sample of willing management personnel given the small size of the departments dealing with disability issues and the sparse distribution of the facilities and offices.

Third, researchers felt interviews were most suitable for the study due to their flexible structured nature. Unlike structured surveys like questionnaires, interviews are flexible and they allowed researchers to impromptly probe the interviewees on the issues that rose in the course of the interview.

This particular factor came in handy when doing follow up questions on the topic and when making recommendations on the way forward in KSA disability policy. Fourth, interviews provided a lot of information that can be used as a basis for future research, development of hypotheses and questionnaires.

Additionally, interviews were critical in the deep probing of the interviewees thanks to the open minded atmosphere that they created and the use of a standardized questionnaire that allowed for commonality and unrestricted discussions.

The interviews were conducted in a manner consistent with a replication logic that is popular in international research. The interviews were structured around the deliverables of care policies of disabled children in Saudi Arabia and Jeddah.

The use of deliverables is consistent with the replication logic that will use the information gathered elsewhere to compare the models of care policies of disabled children between Jeddah Saudi Arabia and Egypt as well as the Emirates.

The referent model that was built through the interviews was that of Jeddah and was used for subsequent comparison. Additionally, the referent model was useful in the identification of key issues as well as additional clues on how it can be applied in the other areas mentioned above.

The interviews were conducted on three senior employees of the ministry of social affairs in the caliber of managers and who are in a position to comment authoritatively on the care policies of disabled children.

The researcher at first discussed the disabled children care policy and asked each of the interviewees to assess the situation in Jeddah and the larger Saudi Arabia within the provided context. Each interview with the managers was conducted separately. At every interview the interviewee was presented with the referent model as well as the one given in the previous interviews.

The information was supplied for confirmation and accuracy purposes. Additionally, the framework used was updated in cases where the researchers felt were necessary.

After the interviews, there were follow up questions that were asked through telephone, e-mail and chat through Skype for those that had access to the internet. This pattern was followed consistently over the course of the interviews ensuring the development of a uniform picture of care policies of disabled children in Saudi Arabia that meets the deliverables set earlier on.

The interviews were conducted using a protocol totaling fifteen questions. It also included numerous follow up questions for purposes of clarity especially where the researchers felt the information was vague. The initial fifteen questions were based on the three areas of analysis that had guided the setting of deliverables.

The questions sough to probe the manager’s views and position on the current disabled children care policy, its strengths, weaknesses and what they felt should be improved. Furthermore the questions required a personal opinion of the managers on the current policies about disabled children in Saudi Arabia and how it compared with peer countries such as Egypt and United Arab Emirates.

The information and views provided by each interviewee formed the basis of comparison between what is currently known about care policies of disabled children in Saudi Arabia.

There was an incremental adoption of disabled care policies and how they were implemented in Saudi Arabia based on the information provided by the interviewees. Additionally, after every interview, the researchers reviewed notes to identify the indicators of policy deliverables that had been identified.

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Mooney, A. et al. (2008) Disabled Children: Numbers, Characteristics and Local Service Provision, L Marshall, A. C. (2009) Disabilities: insights from across fields and around the world: Volume 1. NY: McGraw Hill.

Mufti, M.H. (2000) Healthcare development strategies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . NY: Cengage Leraners.

Putnam, M. (2007) Aging and disability.NY, Springer Publishing.

Read, J. et al. (2010) Disabled children in the UK: a quality assessment of quantitative data sources’, Child: Care, Health and Development 2010, 36 (1), pp. 130 – 141

Prince Salman Center for Disabuility Research (PSCDR). (2011)Disability Code. Web.

Shakespeare, T. (2006) Disability Rights and Wrongs, London: Routledge.

The Economic Bureau, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (EBKSA). (2000) Profile of Welfare and Disability in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Teebi, S.A. (2010) Genetic Disorders Among Arab Populations. NY: Infobase Publishers.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). (2001) Committee on the Rights of the Child: United Arab Emirates. UN: CRC/C/78/Add.2.

WHO. (2005) Mental health atlas 2005. World Health Organization. Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Introduction

Disability is a condition that may arise naturally or during a person’s lifetime. Different forms of disability exist, that is, physical or mental. A person with disability experience difficulties, often reflected when trying to interact with others or when performing certain tasks. Therefore, to support their well-being, and involve them in the decision making process, rules that respect their rights and freedom is important^[1]. They will allow them access equal opportunities like other normal persons in the society.

The UN has recognized the importance of the disabled person’s rights and freedoms and has come up with the UN convention on the Rights of People with disabilities, CRPD and has urged member states to ratify it. This is a significant step which will help a disabled person lead a positive life. The CRPD has provisions which promote, prevent and protect the right of the disabled against violations.

Many countries have ratified the CRPD since its inauguration, however, the US being a champion in advocating for the rights of the disabled persons around the world has not yet ratified the convention. It is on this note that the writer outlines compelling reasons why the US needs to ratify CRPD convention.

Discussion

US Troops and People Working abroad

The US is involved in countless wars around the world in present times. The government is sending more and more troops in foreign countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan to protect and restore peace.^[2] I salute this noble undertaking by the government. However, in their line of duty, we have seen many being maimed and facing other life changing injuries.

I therefore urge the US to ratify the CRPD because the convention will help improve the welfare of the disabled troops returning from combats and other US citizens living and working abroad. This will reflect the US values of hope, opportunities and fairness around the world.

Promoting Dignity and Inclusion

In his own words, John McCain shows that the CRPD is clear in promoting the dignity, inclusion and independence of disabled people while defending their rights regardless of their origin^[3]. I recommend the US to approve this convention because I view that every person has the basic rights which should be promoted, protected and stressed by the state.

Right to Life

Under the natural law, every person has an equal right to life. This right need to be protected and enhanced to allow a person’s participate effectively in the society. The CRPD promotes this fundamental right by supporting the rights of the marginalized, the country’s servicemen and women, and strengthening the dignity of all disabled persons. I therefore believe the US should ratify the CRPD to allow the disabled persons fulfill their basic right to live under the natural law.

Complement the Americans Disabilities Act

I urge the US to ratify the CRPD because it will complement the Americans Disabilities Act^[4]. For a long time, the US has been relying on the Americans with Disabilities Act to champion for the rights and welfare of the disabled in the society. I believe by ratifying the CRPD, the US government will be complementing the Americans with disabilities Act by supporting equal access to opportunities and participation of all people with disabilities.

US role in the World

The US is vocal in championing for the rights of the disabled around the world. Its advocacy has not only been expressed in words, but, action as well. The US ideals are that the fundamental human rights should be upheld by all nations in the world. As a leader, I believe the US should lead by example by ratifying this convention. This is because the convention will protect persons with disabilities and provide opportunities equal to others. Similarly, it will be a significant step in ensuring that all disabled persons are protected globally.

Stigmatization

The disabled persons are facing various challenges such as stigmatization. They are being denied their social, cultural, economic, political and civil rights.^[5] I strongly believe that the CRPD will ensure the disabled person’s participation in education, politics and public life, employment and health is guaranteed. This is because the convention has an elaborate legal mechanism of preventing discrimination faced by these persons.

A Warning to the World

Various countries around the world have not taken bold steps in protecting the rights of the disabled.^[6] Thus, they have strove to promote the practice of exclusion against them. I urge the US to ratify this convention because it will send a stern warning to countries where such practices persists^[7]. Besides, it will inspire many states to ratify the convention thereby protecting the disabled persons worldwide.

Not enforceable by US Courts

Most US citizens fear the the US courts will enforce the CRPD or cause a change in the US laws. This is not the case, the Americans with Disabilities Act has already addressed this concern by granting disabled persons all the rights and freedom identified in the convention. Thus, the treaty will not require any changes in the US laws, besides, the convention will not require any cost in ratifying it. I therefore plead with US government to ratify this convention.

Better Health Care

Most disabled persons across the country face challenges when accessing health health care services. The fact that they have less financial resources make the matter even worse. Therefore, they are compelled to live with their frailty state.^[8]

The CRPD make it clear to the governments that they should ensure all persons with disability conditions access affordable health care whenever possible. I urge the US government to speed up and ratify this convention. The convention will make it easier for the disabled persons to access affordable health care and eventually improve their health.

Address Major Concerns

The US is experiencing disability concerns in sectors such as education, health care and housing. These concerns have been addressed in the convention. By ratifying the convention, the US will not encounter any concerns involving the disabled persons on aforementioned concerns. I therefore urge the US to counter these concerns by ratifying the CRPD.

Appreciate Culture Diversity

By being a multicultural country, the people with disabilities in the US comprises of different races, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age.^[9] All these groups contribute to the cultural uniqueness of the US. Thus, I urge the US to ratify the CRPD because it will contribute to preserving the uniqueness of the country, besides, it will promote their rights.

Conclusion

The CRPD is a significant regulation that US should ratify. The convention will provide unlimited rights and freedoms to the disabled persons. Though the US has made significant strides in guaranteeing rights and freedom to disabled persons through Acts such as the American with Disabilities Act, most Americans remain poor, under-educated and under-employed. Lack of accessibility and equality among the disabled persons has been cited as the cause of these concerns.

Thus, the US government should move with speed to ratify the CRPD. The convention will allow the disabled persons equal access to opportunities, guaranteed of their rights and get involved in the growth of the US. Similarly, by ratifying the treaty, the US will be fostering the culture of inclusion, independence and fairness of opportunities among the disabled people.

Bibliography

Equality and Human Rights Commission. “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Creating a Fairer Britain. Web.

McCain John. “Bipartisan Group Of Senator’s Announce Support For Disability Treaty.” Press Releases. Web.

The White House. “Remarks By The President On Signing Of U.N. Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Proclamation.” The White House. Web.

UN. “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Preamble. Web.

Footnotes

1. John Mccain, “Bipartisan Group Of Senator’s Announce Support For Disability Treaty.” Press Releases.
2. John Mccain, “Bipartisan Group Of Senator’s Announce Support For Disability Treaty.” Press Releases.
3. John Mccain, “Bipartisan Group Of Senator’s Announce Support For Disability Treaty.” Press Releases.
4. John Mccain, “Bipartisan Group Of Senator’s Announce Support For Disability Treaty.” Press Releases.
5. UN, “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Preamble.
6. The White House, “Remarks By The President On Signing Of U.N. Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Proclamation,” The White House.
7. UN, “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Preamble.
8. Equality and Human Rights Commission, “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Creating a Fairer Britain.
9. Equality and Human Rights Commission, “Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.” Creating a Fairer Britain.

It is worth noting that library needs for people with disabilities ought to be given utmost priority during the process of planning and designing of the facility.

In addition, library planners should take into consideration the dynamism and changing needs of users who are disabled bearing in mind that this class of library patrons is diverse. This paper offers a succinct critique of an essay written by student A entitled Library Action Plan for Serving Deaf or Hearing Impaired Patrons.

The essay has been compiled as a PowerPoint presentation with a title page followed by the purpose. The author of the essay aims at developing an action plan that can be put in place in order to improve the current library facilities although the particular library is not mentioned.

In a summary form, the prevailing state of the library has been highlighted alongside what can be done in order to make it compliant with the needs of patrons who have impaired hearing (Riley, 2009). For instance, the writer of the essay suggests that in terms of facility planning, it is vital for the library to invest in wiring its facilities with audio induction loop.

Another important action plan recommended by the writer of the essay is that the management of the library should work towards acquiring relevant sound equipment to be used by these patrons. Finally, the writer suggests that it would be necessary to improve on service delivery at the library such as making use of interpreters to facilitate transfer of information to the deaf or those with impaired hearing.

To begin with, it is imperative to mention that the writer has indeed attempted to cover some of the most integral action plans that could be taken in order to improve library facilities for people with impaired hearing or those who are deaf. However, there are a few points worth noting from the essay.

First of all, the presentation has failed to offer a holistic solution to people with disabilities in general who frequent libraries. The focus has been laid on audio disability and ignoring the rest. A comprehensive library facility should be established with the needs of all disabled persons in mind (Birch, 1993).

Secondly, such a discussion would also require a specific library in focus in terms of the current facilities and what ought to be improved (Strategic Networks Group, 2011). Although the specific action plans given are sound and practical, there is no mention of where these action plans could be implemented (Green & Blair, 2011).

In terms of organization, it would be advisable if the individual action plans could be presented in their own slides. The writer has combined the major concern being discussed in the essay with the action plans. Such kind of essay organization tends to disrupt the reader due to lack of smooth flow from one idea to another (Hamby, 2007).

Furthermore, the writing mechanics as well as how the essay has been presented may not appeal to the reader. For instance, some slides have been crowded with words while others are not well positioned with accompanying graphics.

The ideas presented in the essay are indeed workable if the target audiences for the library facility are people with impaired hearing (Joint, 2005). However, it is common knowledge that any public library may be frequented by any other user and hence the need to formulate a thorough action plan that takes care of the needs of all types of disabled people (Damer, 2005).

To recap it all, it is imperative to reiterate that the writer of the essay is indeed shrewd enough both in terms of research skills and analysis of the case at hand. Nonetheless, some of the weaknesses depicted in the essay ought to be addressed.

References

Birch, A. (1993). Essay Writing Made Easy: Presenting Ideas in All Subject Areas. Ontario: Pembroke Publishers.

Damer, T. E. (2005). Attacking Faulty Reasoning (6th ed.). New York: Wadsworth.

Green, R., & Blair, V. (2011). Keep it simple: A guide to assistive technologies. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Hamby, B.W. (2007). The Philosophy of Anything: Critical Thinking in Context. Dubuque Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

Joint, N. (2005). Disability Issues And Libraries: A Scottish Perspective. Library review 54(8): 449-475.

Riley, C. (2009). Training for Library Patrons Who Are Hard of Hearing. Journal Of Access Services, 6(1/2): 72-97.

Strategic Networks Group (2011). Creating an action plan for broadband utilization.

Introduction

Background

The United States has one of the largest and most respected armies in the world. According to Harley and Teaster, not all those who join the American army spend the rest of their lives in the service (43). Some of them often prefer leaving the service after spending few years. Various reasons may force a person to quit the military service to become a civilian working as other citizens in the country. According to Byrd and Chaunda, it is estimated that the country has deployed over two million United States service members to Afghanistan and Iraq since the onset of war on terror following the September 11, 2001 Al Qaeda attack (117). Some of them, estimated to be about 27% of the above estimates, have been redeployed to these volatile regions more than once. A good number have opted to leave the service soon after coming home because of the experiences they have had in these foreign countries. Others come back home with life-changing injuries. Others witnessed their friends and colleagues die in the battlefields. Others were forced to kill people to protect their own lives and American properties. When they come back home, they find it increasingly challenging to lead a normal life. The mental disorders and physical injuries sustained during their service to the country make it difficult for them to become breadwinners after leaving the military.

The veterans, just as other citizens of this country, need to work to ensure that they can provide for their families. However, not all of them succeed in getting well-paying regular jobs that can sustain their families. The physical and mental disorders sustained during the years spent in their service makes it difficult for them to be fully back into the society. Some of them struggle to get decent jobs, and the lucky ones who do, maintaining those jobs become a great challenge. In a system where the employers are keen on getting the best service from their employees, any mistake from the employees or inability to meet the expectations is rarely tolerated. These employers rarely take time to understand the special needs of their employees and reasons why some of them behave in a given manner. Shilling says that it is increasingly becoming difficult for the veterans to get decent jobs in the American society (41). In many cases, people prefer praising them for their selfless service to the country. However, it rarely goes beyond the praise. Very few employers are always keen on embracing these veterans in their workplaces despite their challenges. In this paper, the researcher looks at the main barriers to employment and integration back to the society that the veterans face, and the manner in which the existing policies can be amended to help create a level playing ground for them.

Rationale of the Research

According to Sayer et al., the United States service men and women play a critical role in ensuring that the country achieves social, economic, and political superiority in the world (590). Many unfriendly countries such as Iran, North Korea, and Russia and terror groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda are always trying to find ways of destroying the country because of reasons they feel are justified. However, that has remained more of a wish than a reality. Other than the September 11, 2001 Al Qaeda attack, the United States has remained a relatively safe country where the enemies cannot pose a significant threat to the people. The economic success that the country has been registering since the end of the Second World War is significantly attributed to a strong military that is capable of ensuring that the interests of the United States is respected all over the world. Some of the soldiers who travel from the country to other parts of the world are not lucky enough to come back to the country the same way the left. They end up losing their lives in the battlefield while others sustain serious physical and mental disorders soon after coming back to the country. It is, therefore, important for the society to appreciate the veterans who have sacrificed a lot for the country.

According to a report by the Veteran Health Administration, a significant number of the veterans suffer from mental problems because of their experiences in the battlefields (Deflem 44). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common problems that these veterans have. Others suffer from depression, substance use or abuse, and many other behavioral problems. The Veteran Affair has reiterated this claim, stating that most of the veterans find it difficult reintegrating back to the society as civilians because of the mental and physical problems that they have. The main challenge that these veterans face in their lives as civilians is getting sustainable jobs that can help them provide for their families. In most of the cases, they find that their skills and experience in the military do not match the needs of most of the jobs readily available. Others are of advanced age and cannot go back to college to learn the skills needed in the modern workplace. Some may have the skills and experience needed in the workplace, but the mental and physical challenges they face make them undesirable to many employers.

In such a workplace environment where the veterans are viewed as less deserving and less desirable employees, it becomes difficult for them to sustain their jobs. Given the service and the sacrifice that these veterans have made for the nation, it is important to find ways of leveling the ground for them as normal civilian employees once they leave the service. If necessary, it may be prudent to review the current policies with the view of changing them to accommodate the men and women who once served in the military. That is why this study is very important. It seeks to address an issue that many in the society have ignored for a long time. It is now necessary to ensure that the veterans’ interests are protected in this great country.

Aims and Objectives

Integration and employment of the veterans who have service-related disabilities into the American society has been an issue in this country for the past several years. When the Second World War ended, the United States became a world power economically, socially, and politically (militarily). Its military men and women have served in various parts of the world as peacekeepers and in other positions. However, their military engagement outside the borders of the country intensified following the war on terror after the country came under Al Qaeda attack in 2001. The number of the veterans rose suddenly and it has never changed ever since. However, statistics show that the veterans find it difficult to get integrated into the society (Hamrick and Rumann 43). This research project seeks to address this injustice. The following are the specific aims that the researcher seeks to achieve in this study:

• This project will add to already existing literature regarding reintegration barriers faced by veterans and look for gaps that exist in exiting literature and policies.
• Possibly use findings to advocate policy change either at state or federal level and will create a level playing field.

The study should help the policy-makers in formulating laws and regulations that will help protect the country. The researcher will use both primary and secondary data sources to achieve the set aims and objectives.

Research Questions

Integration of veterans into the society and eliminating barriers that hinder their ability to get decent jobs in the United States is a topic that has raised serious concern among the stakeholders. It has become a central focus among many scholars in the country. Some of these scholars have witnessed the suffering of this group of people who have selflessly served this country in the past. The following are the central questions that guided the entire process of data collection in this research:

1. What are the barriers faced by veterans when trying to get integrated into the society?
2. What are the specific challenges that the veterans face when trying to get employment in the United States?
3. What are the possible strategies that can be employed to advocate for policy change either at state or federal level to protect the interests of the veterans?

Literature Review

In the recent past, the plight of veterans has attracted attention of many scholars in the United States as the society seeks to find ways of helping them lead a normal and fulfilling life outside the military service. As an academic scholar, it was important to review what other scholars have found out to help build on the existing knowledge. Krannich says that every research project should add new information to the existing bodies of knowledge (59). It is not prudent to reproduce information that has already been made available by other scholars. That is why the researcher has dedicated this section to reviewing existing literatures and determining the existing knowledge gaps. The researcher reviewed books, journal articles, and reliable online sources to build a strong background for this research project to help in informing the conclusion and recommendations.

Integration of the Veterans into the Society

The United States service men and women are often held in high regard as they risk their lives and happiness of their loved ones to protect the country from external threats. Some of them leave the country to some of the most volatile parts of the world to protect the interest of their country. American soldiers have been sent on active service to Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Libya among other places. Some of these soldiers have lost their lives in their service to the country. Others sustain serious physical injuries that make it difficult for them to lead normal lives once they leave the service. Those who are lucky enough to come back to the country without serious physical injuries, the psychological trauma caused by the experiences in these foreign countries make it very difficult to lead a normal life. They struggle to fit into the civilian life, especially if they spent long time in the service (Kelley et al. 41). Other than the psychological problems, that the veterans have to deal with, there is a pattern of life they are used to that do not exist in the outside world. They are used to either issuing or receiving commands on their official duties, which must be respected and followed. However, such practices do not exist in the civilian lives and it may take a while for them to adopt.

Integration of veterans into the society is important. Many soldiers quit the service when they are relatively young, and that means that they have to find alternative jobs to take care of their families. They need to be accepted by the society as people who are unique based on the experiences they had while in service. Integration of veterans starts at the family level unit. Abbott says that members of the family may find the behavioral change of their loved one who served in the service relatively strange (81). Some may find it difficult relating with these veterans because sometimes their behavior may be completely different from what they were before joining the service. Despite their changed behavior, Deflem says that these veterans still need the love and acceptance from their family and friends (45). They need a sense of belonging, just as they used to before and during their service to the country. When they are faced with rejection from family members, they may develop resentment towards them and anybody close to them. The problem may be compounded if they are suffering from mental or physical challenges. The feeling that their own families cannot accept them may be so painful that some may make irrational decisions. The urge to inflict pain on others may drive them to commit heinous crime against their families, friends, or the society in general. Some of these veterans may develop deep hatred against the government when they feel that they or their people have been denied justice.

Benight says that sometimes these veterans may be tempted to use their skills and experience in the military against the establishment if they feel that the injustice has persisted for long (13). Micah Johnson, an army veteran who was involved in a serious shootout with the police in Dallas that killed five officers and wounded many others, once served in Afghanistan. He is a perfect example of a veteran who was unable to get integrated into the society because of the realities he could not withstand. He believed that as a former service member, he had the capacity to execute justice against those he believed were inflicting pain and suffering against the people he loved. He completely disregarded the need to respect the law and ended up taking lives of people who were not directly involved with actions he was protesting against at that time. Cases have been reported where the veterans become a threat to their own lives. Harley and Teaster say that some of them find life after service so frustrating that they consider taking their own lives (31).

It is the responsibility of the American society to ensure that the veterans are successfully integrated into their respective communities and that they are offered opportunity to play a role in socio-economic and political development. As explained above, some of these veterans may have varying physical or psychological problems acquired during their time in the service. Burton says, “The number of civilian veterans aged 18+ living in the community nationwide is 19,344,883; of these, 5,522,589 (28.5%) have a disability,” (112). It means that the number of veterans with disabilities is high. Those who have supportive families who can take care of them without straining may find it unnecessary having to get gainful employment. However, others have to work to provide for their families even if they have disabilities. Even those who have supportive families may have the need to be employed just to make them feel useful in their civilian lives. However, in many cases they fail to get jobs that meet their expectations.

Most of the employers in this country are reluctant when it comes to hiring people with physical or mental disabilities. They feel that their disabilities may affect their ability to deliver the needed services. Paludi says that sometimes these veterans are unable to retain the good jobs they get because of the psychological challenges they have to live with, in their civilian lives (78). In absence of policies and regulations that can protect them in their workplaces, these veterans often lose their jobs with they commit slight mistakes in the workplace. It is important to find ways of protecting these veterans in the society. Krannich says that integration of the veterans into the American society should be the responsibility of every American citizen (20). The society has to understand that they are human beings who need our care and love as our family members, friends, neighbors, or workmates to lead normal lives. The employers also need to understand the uniqueness of people in this demographic and as such, accord them special treatment when it is necessary.

The Modern American Workplace Environment

The modern American workplace environment has been changing over the past years as the market become increasingly competitive. According to Bruyère and Barrington, companies in the United States enjoyed monopoly in the global market soon after the end of the Second World War (64). However, that is no longer the case anymore. Many companies from Europe and Asia have risen to dominance and competition has become very stiff. Local firms do not just feel threatened in the global market that they once dominated but also at the local level. Chinese products are finding their way into the country and it forces local companies to not only increase the quality of products they offer but also lower their market price. Efficiency has become critical in ensuring that these firms survive in the market. The need to remain sustainable has pushed many firms to streamline their operations to ensure that these firms get the best from their employees. They are forced to select the best talents and to maintain high levels of productivity as a way of achieving efficiency. Many have come up with appraisal systems that allow them to separate the best performers from underperformers. Those who are classified as underperformers are dismissed after some time while those who register impressive performance are rewarded with promotions.

The veterans find it increasingly challenging when it comes to surviving in such an environment. Bennet notes that some of the veterans lack any specialized training when they leave the service (2). They come out only armed with the skills and experience gained in the military service. They are introduced into a dangerously competitive system where survival is determined by one’s capacity to deliver results. It becomes even more challenging given that most of those they are expected to compete against have the right training for the job and possibly relevant experience. Most of these veterans often struggle to perform as per the expectations of their employers. Harley and Teaster say that some of these veterans are advanced in age and as such may not be as receptive to change as the younger generation (71). They struggle to keep pace with the emerging technologies in the workplace, especially when they work in departments that need them to use modern technology.

Some of these veterans remain resilient and manage to meet the expectations, sometimes at the cost of their own happiness. Others, out of great pressure and the feeling of lack of support from workmates and colleagues, often quit to look for less demanding jobs. Another group is dismissed by the top management after failing to meet the set standard of performance within the organizations. Irrespective of the fate that each of these veterans face, it is true that the modern American workplace environment is not sustainable for the veterans. The competition is stiff and firms are quick to dismiss anyone who they believe is incapable of meeting the set goals.

Discrimination in the Workplace and Employment Barriers

Discrimination in the workplace within the American society is a common problem that has always attracted attention of policy-makers, scholars, and the public. According to Byrd and Chaunda, African American, people of color and women have been the main victims of discrimination in the workplace (77). However, the veterans are currently facing the same problem, as they are considered different from other groups of employees. Chrisinger says that one of the common problems that these veterans face is stereotyping (19). One of the most common misconceptions in the modern American workplace is that all veterans have psychological problems and that they can be physically abusive. It is true that a relatively high number of veterans have psychological problems compared with other members of the society who have never served actively in the military. However, it is wrong to have a blanket condemnation of all veterans as people who have mental problems.

Lee et al. says that it is common to find cases where employees pressurize the top management to dismiss or transfer a veteran from one department to another at the slightest thought that they can be violent (61). When non-veterans become violent in the workplace, many consider it normal and feel that they can easily manage the situation. On the other hand, when a veteran becomes violent, what comes to the minds of many is that they can sustain life-changing injuries or even lose their lives. The unique fear that employees have towards the veterans is a big challenge in having a conducive working environment for them. Deflem says that sometimes an employee may reject assignments where they have to work with a veteran (51). The fear is very common among female employees who feel they are physically weak and cannot defend themselves in case it becomes necessary. Others feel they cannot make light jokes that may annoy a veteran because of the fear of their reaction.

According to West and Kregel, the veterans feel affected when they sense that people around them are obsessed with fear (55). It is good to have power, but it can only be beneficial if it earns one respect, love, and friendship. In this case, the fact that one is a veteran drives others away. They feel so lonely, especially when they cannot share light moments with the rest of the population who feel that they are dangerous. They find themselves addressing many personal and workplace problems alone other than sharing with colleagues. In such an environment, it is difficult to be a performer. It becomes worse if the veteran is suffering from psychological or physical problems. Anyone with disability needs close care and attention from people around him or her. The veterans are no exception. For the veterans to overcome their challenges, they need their colleagues to understand and appreciate their problems be willing and determined to help them cope, and work closely with them to achieve the organizational goals.

Discrimination against the veterans is also witnessed during training sessions. Unlike the young college graduates who are techno-savvy, it takes time for the elderly veterans to adapt to the new technology-driven changes in the workplace. During training, they deserve special attention to help them understand the new systems and structures. However, Bennet says that during training sessions, employees in the same department are often grouped together and offered training without paying attention to the special needs group (51). The veterans struggle to understand the new knowledge because they lack background upon which the new knowledge can be based. They are also slow in learning technology-based strategies. Their problem is compounded by the fear that other employees have towards them. Sometimes the veterans become withdrawn as they feel that the system is working against them.

According to Miller, veterans with service-connected disabilities face numerous barriers to employment that should not be ignored any longer (22). Many employers understand the challenges that veterans face as they struggle to lead normal lives as civilians. They know that even though these veterans may not have physical disabilities, they sometimes suffer from mental problems. It is also common knowledge to these employers that in many cases employees fear veterans and may be unwilling to work with them. As such, many often deliberately deny them opportunity to work in their firms believing that they will have a negative impact on their workforce. When presented with other alternatives, they would prefer hiring young college graduates who are flexible and capable of trying new things in the workplace. They prefer hiring people who they believe will not elicit fear among employees because of their experiences or past careers. These challenges and discriminations make it difficult for the veterans to get decent jobs. When they succeed in getting that job, it becomes difficult to retain it long enough.

Policy Formulation and Implementation

According to Holden et al., a time has come when the American society has to appreciate the role played by the veterans in securing the borders of the country (63). Some of them sacrificed the opportunity they had to join college after high school just to serve the country. When these people leave the service for one reason or the other, they need to find an accommodating society. They need to feel loved when they are at home. As Paulsen, it starts with the family members. The fact that these people may have psychological problems does not turn them into beasts (95). Their problem can be overcome through love and support they get from home. Their problem is unique, and as such, they should not be viewed differently from other members of the society. In the workplace, workmates have a role to play in making these veterans feel comfortable and able to integrate freely back to the society. They need respect and love, just like any other employee. Above all, they need understanding as people who have gone through challenging experiences in their lives as service men and women.

According to Nickerson and Sanders, other than the advisory recommendations made by many scholars to veterans’ families, friends, and colleagues in the workplace, it is important to enact laws that must define the employment status of this group of people (54). Affirmative action that was embraced in the country to empower women in the United States and other parts of the world has seen more women playing critical roles in the corporate world. Today, we have the highest number of female chief executives than we have ever had in the history. That is because of consistency in promoting female empowerment as championed by the American society. The country has had its first African American president, Barrack Obama, a sign that nothing is impossible in this country. It means that the same will power can be used to ensure that the veterans can succeed in civilian life after leaving the barracks. Laws should be put in place requiring employers to have special treatment when it comes to handling the veterans as long as they do not pose threat to their colleagues and property.

The qualifications for employment set for the veterans should not be the same as the qualifications set for the young college graduates or other members of the society who have never been in the service. The goal is not to treat the veterans in a special way, but to create a level-playing ground based on the challenges that they have in life. In 2013, President Barrack Obama stated the commitment of his government in ensuring that the veterans, including those with various forms of disabilities, get employment both in the public and private sector (Zogas 23). He stated that the private sector has already employed over 290,000 veterans and plans are underway to ensure that 400,000 more are employed in the years to come. His promise to the veterans saw many policy changes that have promoted hiring of the veterans. Despite the effort put in place by the former president, veterans still face a number of challenges in the workplace and more needs to be done to protect them.

Research Method

In this section of the report, it is important to discuss the research methods, which were used to collect and analyze data from various sources. Integration and employment barriers for veterans with service-connected disabilities are topics that are widely researched. In this project, the researcher collected data from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data sources came from books, scholarly journal articles, and reliable online sources. Data collected from secondary sources is presented in the literature review chapter above. Primary data was collected from a sample of respondents who were identified to take part in this project. The conclusion and recommendations made in this study was based on the data collected from the two sources.

Sample Population

According to Deflem, the United States is home to 21.8 million veterans (92). It may be necessary to collect data from all of them, but that is not possible given the constraints faced by the researcher in this academic project, especially the need to complete it within the set deadline. As such, it was important to collect data from a small sample of the target group to represent the entire population. The researcher selected a sample of ten veterans who agreed to be part of this research project. The participants were selected randomly from the entire population based on their availability and willingness to take part in this project. After identifying the participants, the researcher contacted them through phone calls and informed them about the study. They were informed about the role they were expected to play in the project. They were informed of the confidentiality in the study and their freedom to withdraw from the project in case they changed their mind along the way.

Data Collection Method

Primary data was collected from the sampled veterans. The researcher prepared a simple questionnaire to help in the process of collecting data. After preparing the questionnaire, the researcher called the respondents and planned a face-to-face meeting with them. Given that the researcher was interested in getting their experiences that vary from one veteran to another, the questions were open-ended. The nature of the questions made it possible for the respondents to explain the challenges they have encountered and their beliefs when it comes to addressing the problem.

Data Analysis

This research embraced qualitative methods of data analysis, and that is why open-ended questions were used to collect data. Qualitative data analysis made it possible to explain phenomena that illustrate the challenges veterans go through. This approach of analyzing data also made it possible to explain how the problem can be overcome through policy formulation and other appropriate strategies.

Analysis and Discussion

Data Analysis

In this chapter, the researcher will focus on analyzing the data collected from the field and discussing the findings with the view of finding the way forward to deal with this issue. Two former presidents of the United States, George W. Bush, and Barrack Obama have emphasized on the need to create systems that will make it easy for the veterans to find job once they are discharged from the service. The veterans, through various platforms, have complained about the difficulty they face when trying to get employment, especially when they have service-related disabilities. As explained in the methodology section above, the researcher sampled ten veterans who responded to various questions related to the topic that was posed to them. The section will look at the questions posted to them and how they respondent to each of them. The first question focused on capturing the experience of these veterans when looking for employment.

Q 1: As a fellow veteran, what are some of the problems you encountered when looking for employment or when trying to integrate back into society after active duty in the military?

A 1: “I quickly realized that most of the skills, if not all, do not translate into the civilian world and most civilian hiring officials do not understand our military specific terminologies”

This problem was reiterated by almost every single veteran who was interviewed in this project. Given that the researcher has served actively in the American military, it was easy for the researcher to understand their concern. Most of the skills learnt in the military involve war plans, how to prevent an attack, how to organize one, how to coordinate once in the battlefield, and many other techniques directly related with physical combat in the war front. That knowledge is very different from the strategies needed in the workplace. Although the strategic moves learnt in the military academy may be translated in some marketing plans, it requires significant modification to achieve the desired goals. This respondent also stated that the military specific terminologies they are used to are less common in the workplaces outside the barracks. It forces them to unlearn skills and languages they once learned through pain and perseverance for many years. Another respondent blamed the training in the military service as shown in the answer below:

A 2: The military did not prepare me adequately to survive in the civilian world, and the transition assistance program available is not vigorous enough. Most of the transition job programs benefits technical jobs more than any other field.

In the military academies, focus is always on how to win wars against enemy states. Although the American military training is always thorough, it is not in any way related to skills one need as a civilian. In fact, majority of the respondents stated that the training is designed in a way that one cannot use it outside the barracks or battlefronts. The military curriculum fails to understand that sometimes a soldier may decide to end his or her career in the service in pursuit of other interests as civilians. It means that when these soldiers leave service to become civilians, they are ill equipped to deal with the new challenges in life that they face. Another respondent, who happens to be suffering from PTSD, also weighed in on this issue when answering the same question.

A 3: I am currently a full time student in one of the public universities, and I feel like the professors and the school officials are not accommodating enough in the sense that they do not put my medical disability into consideration. As a veteran with PTSD service connected disability, it take a little extra effort for me to understand and retain some of the things being taught, so I expect the school leadership to have a separated form of academic expectation for me. We hope academic institution will tailor courses to suit veterans with TBI like myself.

It is clear, from the detailed response obtained from the third respondent above, that the problem is not unique in the workplace. Learning institutions have also failed to understand the special needs of the veterans. Some of the veterans, knowing that they are ill equipped to get decent jobs as civilians, consider going back to college to specialize in areas of their interest. However, the same problems that their colleagues face in the American workplace is what they face in their places of work. They are given the same treatment as their classmates, most of whom are always younger and without any psychological problems. Rarely do these institutions care for their mental challenges. Some of the respondents also felt that it is necessary for institutions of higher learning to come up with special courses that is more suitable for the veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Discussion

The respondents who participated in this research stated that they find it difficult integrating back into the society and finding decent jobs that can sustain their lives as civilians. As can be seen in their responses, the problem is not just unique in the workplaces. The veterans who decide to go back to school to equip themselves with skills that can enable them find jobs of their dreams often face various challenges. Many institutions have not developed curriculums that can take care of the unique needs of the veterans, some of whom are advanced in age. They find themselves subjected to the same treatment as other fellow students despite the fact that they have special needs. Some of these veterans suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in the battlefields. Others have to deal with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for a very long time after leaving the service. However, the learning institutions are yet to come up with programs that can help the veterans who decide to go back to school.

According to Gade, the veterans are rarely aware of the life that awaits them outside the military service (7). Most of them often have very high expectations. They believe that the respect and love accorded to them while in military regalia is the same that they will get when they decide to lead a civilian life. However, the opposite is true. Once people learn that one is a veteran, the respect that these ex service men and women enjoyed is translated into fear and the love turns into stereotyping. They are viewed as people who can become violent at any time and with the slightest provocation. Their skills in battlefield created fear among people around them. Life becomes very unbearable for most of them as they struggle to integrate back into the society. Many employers are always keen on hiring people who can work in teams. The employers are aware that in many cases, people tend to fear veterans because of the belief that most of them suffer from psychological problems and can easily snap. When presented with other alternatives, these employers would prefer hiring younger employees who are open to change and capable of working easily in teams without eliciting fear.

The society has come to realize that indeed the veterans are always subjected to unfair treatment when trying to integrate into the society. The former President Barrack Obama clearly stated that it was important for individual companies, whether public or private, to make commitment that they will hire veterans. Other leaders have also come out to emphasize on the need to protect the interest of the veterans in the society. Til et al. says that with proper training and help, the veterans can become successful employees by translating their military experiences into real life challenges they face in their workplaces (1170). Their level of resilience when dealing with a challenge is often above average when compared with other employees. It means that whenever they face a challenge within their organization, they will not avoid it. They are trained to face the problem and eliminate it at all costs and that is what they are likely going to do when they are accorded the love, respect, and support in the workplace (Moore et al. 76). It may be necessary to enact laws that can protect the interest of these veterans.

Conclusion

The United States is one of the countries with the highest number of veterans in the world. Although the government has created a department that specifically deals with the concerns of the veterans, these people still face serious challenges as they try to get integrated back to the society. They find themselves in very awkward situation where the skills and knowledge they have acquired in the military service do not match job requirements. When they try to further their studies in institutions of higher learning, they find that the systems favor young learners who are fresh from high school at their expense. The society understands that the veterans are more likely to suffer from psychological problems related to their service in the military. However, instead of creating an enabling environment for them overcome their challenges, in many cases the veterans find themselves abandoned and discriminated against in the workplace, at school, and in the society. The study strongly recommends enactment of new policies that will protect the interest of the veterans. The new policies should compel the employers to have different criteria when recruiting veterans. Systems should also be put in place to enable them overcome service connected disabilities.

Works Cited

Abbott, Lewis. Theories of the Labor Market & Employment: A Review. John Wiley & Sons Publishers, 2013.

Benight, Charles. Secondary Trauma and Burnout in Military Behavioral Health Providers: Beyond the Battlefield. Wiley, 2017.

Bennet, Goldstein. Service Stigma: Disabled or Not, Veterans Face Job Challenges. Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, 2012.

Bruyère, Susanne, and Linda Barrington. Employment and Work. SAGE Reference, 2012.

Burton, Sharon. Engaged Scholarship and Civic Responsibility in Higher Education. McMillan Publishers, 2017.

Byrd, Marilyn, and Scott Chaunda. Diversity in the Workforce: Current Issues and Emerging Trends. Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.

Chrisinger, David. Public Policy Writing That Matters. Wiley & Sons Publishers, 2017.

Deflem, Mathieu. Disasters, Hazards, and Law. Taylor & Francis Group, 2012.

Gade, Daniel. “A Better Way to Help Veterans.” National Affairs, vol. 1, no. 33, 2013, pp. 1-12.

Hamrick, Florence, and Corey Rumann. Called to Serve A Handbook on Student Veterans and Higher Education. Jossey-Bass, 2012.

Harley, Debra, and Pamela Teaster. Handbook of Lgbt Elders: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Principles, Practices, and Policies. Wiley, 2015.

Holden, Meg, et al. Community Quality-of-Life Indicators: Best Cases Vii. Wiley, 2017.

Kelley, Bruce, et al. Preparing Your Campus for Veterans’ Success: An Integrated Approach to Facilitating the Transition and Persistence of Our Military Students. Routledge, 2013.

Krannich, Ronald. Overcoming Employment Barriers: 127 Great Tips for Burying Red Flags and Finding a Job That’s Right for You. Cengage, 2016.

Lee, Kathleen, et al. Strategies for Gaining Insight to the Employment Challenges of Veterans with Disabilities. Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, 2017.

Miller, Thomas. The Praeger Handbook of Veterans’ Health: History, Challenges, Issues, and Developments. Praeger, 2012.

Moore, Janelle, et al. The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veterans. Wiley, 2015.

Nickerson, Jackson, and Ronald Sanders. Tackling Wicked Government Problems: A Practical Guide for Developing Enterprise Leaders. Brookings Institution Press, 2014.

Paludi, Michele. Managing Diversity in Today’s Workplace: Strategies for Employees and Employers. ABC-CLIO, 2012.

Paulsen, Michael. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, Taylor & Francis Group, 2014.

Sayer, Nina, et al. “Reintegration Problems and Treatment Interests Among Iraq and Afghanistan Combat Veterans Receiving VA Medical Care.” Psychiatric Services, vol. 61, no. 6, 2010, pp. 589–597.

Shilling, Dana. Complete Guide to Human Resources and the Law, John Wiley & Sons Publishers, 2015.

Til, Linda, et al. “Work Reintegration for Veterans with Mental Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review to Inform Research.” Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, vol. 93, no. 9, 2013, pp. 1163-1174.

West, Michael, and John Kregel. Employment Services and Supports Available to Veterans with Disabilities through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Other Federal Agencies. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014.

Zogas, Anna. US Military Veterans’ Difficult Transitions Back to Civilian Life and the VA’s Response. Watson Institute, 2017.

Introduction

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) refers to a policy that was drafted and passed by legislators in the congress to become part and parcel of US laws in the year 1990. This policy was meant to protect individuals with disabilities from being denied equal opportunities in various areas, including employment and access to public amenities and other public places.

After the law was passed there were so many people who felt disappointed because they knew they had to embrace change which is not what they were expecting. This paper will focus on the above mentioned policy and how it defends the rights of the disabled people in the workforce with regard to corporate and employee perspectives.

The first title of this policy focuses on employment because this is one of the main areas that tend to be biased. This is because there were, and are, many cases of people who have been denied equal opportunities at their work places just because they are disabled.

Perhaps what most employers do not know is that disability is not inability since there are many people who are disabled and yet they have outstanding abilities in other areas, sometimes even much better and advanced than their counterparts who are not disabled.

Acemoglu and Angrist (2001) argue that in as much as the disabled have been given equal opportunities such as education, leaving them out of the workforce may sound and look like an insult because the skills that they posses will be wasted while they would have been put into good use.

The ADA states that employers must allow all job seekers including the disabled an equal opportunity to apply for jobs without setting limits that are based on their disabilities.

Why the Act Was Introduced

The state recognizes every one who is disabled and that is why it demands for equal treatment. According to issues raised by ADA, during the process of bringing new employees on board in any company, the person in charge of hiring should evaluate job candidates equally because their looks are not as important as the skills they have.

Before this policy came into being, employers used to judge people from their looks and thus the persons involved felt deserted because there was no one to defend them. Job seekers with disabilities were simply barred from even securing an interview because most employers dismissed them by simply referring to their disability to mean that they cannot be productive.

ADA clearly states that employees with disabilities are entitled to promotions just like the other employees in the workforce. This is because there are some employers who offer these people jobs and are not willing to upgrade their ranks even after they have worked for them for so long. Employers should gauge employees by their performance which is reflected by the results they deliver (DeLeire, 2000).

When ADA was first implemented employers especially medium sized organizations were finding it difficult to comply with it because they knew they had to restructure some of their facilities for them to warmly accommodate employees with disabilities.

Difficulties during Implementation

Prior to the implementation of this act, human resources managers were under strict instructions not to hire people with disabilities. This puzzled them because some of the job applicants were actually qualified for the positions they had applied for.

But then they had to stick to their employers’ rules lest they would also loose their jobs. Most employers think that by bringing a disabled employee on board they would be adding more liabilities, but this is not the case because these people apply for jobs that they are sure they can perform without any difficulties.

Moreover, the government of the US was spending a lot of cash on catering for the needs of the persons with disabilities.

Prior to the introduction of ADA, the government was looking for a way to minimize its expenditures on these people because investigations revealed that quite a number of them possessed some skills that would earn them a decent living if only they were given a chance to demonstrate their skills and abilities.

According to Fielder (2004), helping these people access the job market became a priority because the government felt that it could be relieved once these people were absorbed into the work force. This would leave the government with fewer people to take care of, just like the famous English saying that states that if you give a man fish you will feed him forever but if you show him how to fish he will feed himself.

Furthermore, if the government did not look for a way of helping people with disabilities to sustain themselves the situation would have become a crisis because every other day there are people who become disabled through accidents and some are born like that and their number would have accumulated so much.

It is certain that the government would not be capable of handling such huge number of people and it would have to borrow more funds in order to take care of these people while some of them can actively engage in income generating activities.

By implementing ADA the government had empowered the people with disabilities because they could now look for jobs with confidence when they knew that they would not be turned away because of their disability. In fact the act states that any employer who denies any of his or her employees equal opportunities based on their disability can be sued in a court of law.

The government itself set the best example as far as this act was concerned by designating some positions in the congress for people with special needs. In fact all government corporations and agencies including parastatals are under obligation to reserve some positions for people with special needs.

Switzer and Vaughn (2003) state this act has really helped people with special needs because more enhancements have been put in place especially with the introduction of technology which helps people with disabilities to perform their tasks just like anybody else.

For instance, there are hearing aids which are quite essential to people who have hearing problems hence such people can be involved in important issues at their work places such as decision making because they can clearly hear what the others are saying.

The only exceptional jobs that people with disabilities cannot actively engage in are manual jobs, such as in the construction sites and the military.

But then the people with disabilities have proved us wrong because of late they engage actively in sports such as basketball and athletics and that is why we have Paralympics that are meant to show case the talents of the disabled. Surely, some of them earn their daily bread from these sporting activities.

The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission

There is a commission in the US that fights for the rights of people with disabilities when it comes to employment. This commission is called Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) and it acts as the watch dog for people with special needs in the job market by ensuring that they are viewed equally competent like their counterparts.

The commission represents persons with disabilities in legal cases and negotiates for their equal treatment where it feels that its member has been offended (Acemoglu & Angrist, 2001). There have been so many cases involving employees who have been sacked by their employers just because they have developed a physical disability. The commission has won in most of these cases.

I personally advocate for equal opportunities in employment for people with disabilities. This is because I have been to many government offices and non governmental organizations and have been served by employees with disabilities and surprisingly their services were quite satisfactory and that is why I do not see the reason for denying them equal chances.

For those employers who argue that employees with disabilities may do their work with lots of errors, they should look at themselves first and figure out the number of mistakes they have made considering that they are not disabled.

This implies that we all make errors regardless of whether we are disabled or not. Furthermore, these people are our brothers and sisters and at times parents. Therefore, we should give them an opportunity to earn a living because that way we will not have to give them money to pay their bills and take care of their families.

Conclusion

ADA is an important law that strives to protect the rights of disabled people in the employment sector. On the other hand, it gives companies the guidelines that are to be followed in the realization of equal treatment of both disabled employees and consumers.

It is necessary for employers to incorporate disabled people in their workforces like they would expect their own children to be absorbed because one does not have to be born disabled.

Disability can come later in life and thus we should treat others the way we would want them to treat us because at the end of the day what goes round comes around. In essence, when such people do a mistake employers should not blame their disability because mistakes are not made from disabilities.

References

Acemoglu, D. & Angrist, D.J. (2001). Consequences of Employment Protection? The Case of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Journal of Political Economy,109, 915-957.

DeLeire, T. (2000). The Wage and Employment Effects of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Journal of Human Resources, 35(4), 693-715.

Fielder, J.F. (2004). Mental Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Westport, CT: Quorum Books.

Switzer, J.V. & Vaughn, J. (2003). Disabled Rights: American Disability Policy and the Fight for Equality. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.

This proposal is to do a term project on the topic of government grants to people with disabilities. The paper will be based on the conditions of disabled people and the federal or state grants that they could receive in order to facilitate changes in their health and work.

Modern society is becoming well aware of the need for social programs and support for those who have special needs.

People with physical and mental disabilities require specific conditions to live full lives, and many workplaces and public facilities do not have the necessary type of equipment. Since the major companies and industrial organizations cannot hire a person with a disability, there is a dire need for private business ownership, where a person can create their own and specific conditions to suit their needs. The U.S. government acknowledges the needs of disabled people and thus, offers grants and other forms of financial support to those who require such help.

A Social Security website, the Office of Acquisition and Grants, provides essential information as to how one can be eligible for a grant. The mission statement is to aid those in need by issuing licenses, as well as to ensure that any business matters, development, policy enforcement, and other nuances are lawful and enforced (Office Of Acquisition And Grants, 2013). The paper will focus on current social and economic conditions and the ability of governments to distribute the budget effectively among those requiring aid.

It is essential to keep in mind that the current economy is not very favorable for opening new businesses.

Even though Congress, politicians, and senators promise people to support if they are placed in office, there are often limitations. Another issue that requires further research is that the grants are not publicly advertised, so it would take some knowledge of the organizations or the internet to find the needed resource. At the same time, there are private organizations that offer grants, so extensive research must be carried out in order to locate the company or governmental institution that does help.

One possible solution that must be taken into account in the formation of an alliance. Since people with disabilities want to have their own business, the government could provide tools and resources for people with disabilities to unite. This would enable a specific location to be equipped with all the necessary tools, as well as cooperation within several businesses, which can prove beneficial to those in need.

This topic is appropriate for the final project because people with disabilities are a part of society. The preparation and research are an essential step in contributing to the strength of a nation with paper and study such as this. A closer look should be given to the alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Business Leadership Network, which decided that in order to facilitate and increase the employment rates of people with disabilities, they must form an alliance. This will familiarize people with the problem and lead to solutions.

As I am a nurse and closely involved with people who require help, my skills and knowledge will be useful in determining the right course of action.

I have much practice in the treatment of people with disabilities, and it is essential to understand that they require not only physical help but mental as well. A person working in this field must be sensitive to the needs of patients and have a personality suitable for such an environment.

Reference

Office of Acquisition and Grants. (2013). Web.

The ableism language is one of the issues discussed and illustrated by Jim Ferris in his poem “Poems with Disabilities.” It is a serious issue that has been challenged by many authors and researchers. Ableist language should be countered since it implies that individuals with impairments are not normal. Ableism is more than a list of terms we should avoid using; paying attention to language may help us realize how deeply ingrained ableism is in our society.

Language is fluid and multidimensional, evolving as quickly as societal conventions, attitudes, and integration chances. Any statement or phrase that devalues individuals with impairments is referred to as ableist vocabulary (Bogart & Dunn, 2019). The majority of ableism language includes negative terminology or metaphors (Ferris, 2004). This supports the context that persons with disabilities are smaller than everyone else, perpetuating the perception that disability is a bad experience (Hadar, 2021). Sometimes, a person is not aware of the usage of the words, which can lead to unlikely consequences.

Poems of Disabilities by Jim Ferris elaborate on the issue in a non-traditional way, using metaphors, hidden messages, and double-edged meanings. Indeed, this is the art of poetry and literature to expose serious issues in a seemingly simple form. However, the feelings of the author and the surrounding settings in almost every piece of literature begin to look different when delving into the literary devices employed. The poet constantly tries to engrave his feelings and reflections into words, but it is only up to the reader how they will be received and how they will be understood.

The same issue happens with ableism when many people probably heard of the issue, but they seem to be just uncomfortable with the topic itself and rather pretend that they do not understand it properly. “The world tilts a little, angle of vision jumps, your entrails are not where you left them” (Ferris, 2007, lines 19-22) – Ferris attempts to show that for people with disabilities, the world does not feel the same as for others. When regular people see provocative words, deliberately or non-deliberately attempting to hurt them, the world tilts as well, and the angle becomes different. This is good evidence for the argument of the need to eliminate the issue of ableism. People with disabilities feel the same when it comes to the Ableists’ language.

Language is, by its very nature, political. The language we use to communicate thoughts and feelings and to characterize ourselves and others reflects and impacts attitudes, both for individuals and larger social groupings (Bogart & Dunn, 2019). Many of these phrases are used casually, and many people do not feel their connection with different hardships. “Maybe yesterday’s twinge means something after all. Your sloppy, fragile heart beats a little faster” (Ferris, 2007, lines 25-28) – in this passage, Ferris attempts to raise awareness of the ignorance of the ableism. This argument becomes a focal point as the need to raise awareness of the issue is acute. While many people are concerned about the racial and sexual repercussions of different words and titles, people with disabilities are often left aside. This became the primary reason to put the poem in the place where it is – in “one of the best spaces in the book” (Ferris, 2007, line 3). Given how deeply established ableism is in our culture, eliminating it may appear to be an impossible undertaking. Language evolves gradually, and countering the issue of ableism is a long-term goal.

References

Bogart, K. R., & Dunn, D. S. (2019). Ableism special issue introduction. Journal of Social Issues, 75(3), 650-664.

Ferris, J. (2007). Poems with disabilities. Ragged Edge.

Ferris, J. (2004). The enjambed body: A step toward a crippled poetics. The Georgia Review, 58(2), 219-233.

Hadar, D. (2021). Language and Disability, an interview with Dana Dimant (Minor Literature class 8) [Video]. YouTube. Web.

The disability issue can be deemed as a hot-topic issue in the contemporary society. On the one hand, it is the duty of the state authorities to facilitate the people in question with adequate conditions for their normal functioning; on the other hand, it is essential to make sure that differently-abled people should not feel being discriminated against. The dilemma, therefore, is very complex and can be traced back to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the issue is easily traceable in the local regulations as well, including the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Despite the fact that ADA and CCR are supposed to provide the disparaged with equal opportunities, it seems to affect the way, in which people with disabilities are accepted by the society, which means that the present-day policies may need a change.

The Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Department of Rehabilitation par. 3) must be listed among the local policies regarding the disabled members of the LA population. The regulation under analysis provides the disabled residents of Los Angeles, in general, and San Francisco, in particular, with an opportunity to access buildings and use public vehicles without experiencing any physical or psychological issues. Particularly the regulation under analysis suggests that the state authorities should provide disabled people with the tools that will make the process of transportation, as well as the access to buildings, possible; particularly, the use of tools such as ramps and bus platforms is considered a must for the public transportation system (“Part 37—Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA)” par. 37.9).

As far as the regulations on a Federal level are concerned, one must bring the aforementioned Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) up (“Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act” par. 2). The specified law is supposed to provide the target denizens of the U.S. population with equal opportunities regarding employment, access to the existing facilities, such as public transportation, public accommodations, etc. (“EEOC Fails to Approve Proposal For ADA Amendments Act Regulations” 106).

A more general way of looking at the problem, the given legislation creates the environment, in which disabled people can feel that they have equal opportunities to those that the rest of the local population has. It could be argued, though, that the creation of the above-mentioned environment does not contribute to helping the target demographics.

As Stella Young pointed out, both disabled people and the ones with a standard set of abilities use their bodies to the full capacity (TEDx Talks); therefore, by forcing the disabled to use the facilities in question, one may imply their inferiority to the rest of the people. Indeed, according to ADA, people with disabilities are defined as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual” (“42 U.S. Code § 12102 – Definition of Disability” par. 1), which may make the specified denizens of the U.S. population feel inferior. Consequently, the wording of the current ADA needs to be corrected to address the subject matter in a politically correct manner, allowing people to look at the problem of disability from a new angle.

Even though the current regulations regarding the rights of the differently-abled were suggested from the best of motives, they still do not seem to comply with the 21^st century standards. To be more exact, the current standards need to be shaped so that the policy in question should not affect the social perception of people with physical or mental disabilities. In other words, the modern policy obviously affects the social justice, which calls for its change.

Works Cited

42 U.S. Code § 12102 – Definition of Disability 1990. Web.

Department of Rehabilitation 2015. Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Web.

“EEOC Fails to Approve Proposal For ADA Amendments Act Regulations.” Americans with Disabilities Act: A BNA’s Manual 17.12 (2008): 105–112. Web.

Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act 2009. Web.

Part 37—Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA) 2009. Web.

TEDx Talks. “Inspiration Porn and the Objectification of Disability: Stella Young at TEDxSydney 2014.” Online video clip. YouTube. 2015. Web.

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was originally intended to allow access to employment for those persons with disabilities at a level equal to what all others enjoy. ADA legislation had a major impact on both the states’ and employer’s awareness level regarding persons with disabilities and their capability to receive access to equal opportunities but the economic impact for those entities remain in question.

Apparent inconsistencies between the Act’s goals and its perceived outcome have caused much confusion for employers who believe that the financial burden placed on them is impracticable. The Act was passed with civil rights as its impetus and does not allow divergences of its intention because of employer’s perceptions. However, in practice, an employer could still legally discriminate against those with disabilities

An employer is obligated to make reasonable accommodations for an employee or applicant if they are ‘otherwise qualified’ to perform the responsibilities of a position but the ADA provides no definite procedures by which an employer can accurately determine what is considered reasonable. The question of reasonable requires factoring the medical needs of the disabled person with the financial resources of the employer. The courts and employers must consider these factors as they pertain to each individual case.

Unlike other discrimination legislation, the ADA dictates that employers and individuals interact. Both are required to establish a person’s eligibility for employment and if the necessary accommodations are reasonable. This dialogue is necessary because almost every situation is unique and complex, not as easily identifiable as discrimination based on gender or race. The individual begins this discourse regarding reasonable accommodations by informing the employer of the disability unless it is obvious.

However, the applicant is not required to divulge this information until after they have been offered the job. “It is illegal to ask applicants about disabilities prior to making a conditional offer of employment. An applicant is, however, free to volunteer information at any time” (Franke, 2006). Individuals who are currently employed should approach their employer with proof of how the disability ‘substantially limits a major life activity (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 2000).

As a result of the ADA requires that employers may inquire about an applicant’s medical condition only following a job offer, it is impossible to identify and screen candidates considered high-risk to claim a workers’ compensation injury during the interview process. Because employing individuals with disabilities generally entails maintaining a generous sick-leave policy, employers might balance this added cost by reducing the compensation in their sick-leave benefit package. “Employers save money by offering limited paid benefits” (Floyd, 1994).

This reduction of benefits not only defers short-term expenditures, this action along with a more stringent attendance policy helps both offset and reduce any wrongful termination claims. Frequently, businesses defend themselves against claims of discrimination by contending that the employee was excessively absent from the job such as in the 1996 case of Laurina Price v. S-B Power Tool (Skil). Price, an epileptic, was fired because her absent rate fell just above the three percent threshold set by the company. Approximately half of the absences were due to her disability. Skil claimed Price was “not a ‘qualified individual’ under the ADA because regular attendance was an essential function of her job” (Price, 1996)

The plaintiffs in discriminatory complaints generally lose their case if they are shown to be in violation of sick-leave policies that are non-discriminatory as they apply to all employees. The ADA was designed to protect the rights of disabled persons, which has but an unintended consequence is that employers have instituted policies that could negatively affect all employees and continue to discriminate within the guidelines of the law.

References

Floyd, J.M. (1994). “Americans with Disabilities Act: Impact of Workers’ Compensation – Friend or Foe?” A Primer for the Corporate Insurance Department and Outside Counsel. 17 Am. J. Trial Advoc.

Franke, Ann H. (2006). A Brief Overview of Disability Discrimination in Employment.” Education and Risk Management at United Educators Insurance. Web.

Laurine Price v. Skill (1996) Westlaw. Web.