Introduction to Disability Studies (SDL 2)

Question 1

When was the Disability Discrimination Act introduced?

When was it replaced?

What replaced it?

Answer 1

• It came into effect in 1995.

- It was replaced by the Equality Act in 2010.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Equality Act of 2010 ?

Answer 2

To protect people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society by replacing previous laws with one act that is easier to understand.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Human Rights Act of 1988?

Answer 3

• To protect human rights that are based on shared values such as dignity, fairness, respect and independence.
• To ensure that human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person from birth until death.

Question 4

List 2 ways by which the formation of the NHS contributed to the change in treatment of disabled people.

Answer 4

1 - Ensured that is a free and more uniform provision of services for all people, including disabled people.

2 - The 1948 NHS Act gave local authorities the power to provide services to disabled people (but there was no requirement made for them to do so).

Question 5

List 2 ways by which the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act of 1970 contributed to the change in treatment of disabled people.

Answer 5

1 - It compelled local authorities to provide services for disabled people such as practical assistance, home adaptations, recreational activities, TV services, educational services and meals at home.

2 - It meant that there was a duty to find out how many people needed such services and assistance, and to publish information on available services.

Question 6

In which decade was there a move away from institutionalised care?

Answer 6

1960s.

Question 7

According to Irving Goffman (1961), what is a total institution?

Answer 7

• A large number of like-situated individuals, cut off from wider society for an appreciable period of time that together lead an enclosed, formally administered round of life.
• Compared to imprisonment.

Question 8

What is the Disability Rights movement?

When did it begin?

Give an example of another movement that emerged from this movement.

Answer 8

• A movement formed by disabled people (of many different disabilities) to fight a common cause.
• Began in the 1960s.
• The Independent Living movement emerged from this movement.

Question 9

Which American act made disabled access to public buildings mandatory?

Answer 9

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.

Question 10

How did the public ideology of disability change during the 1960s?

List 2 events, acts or movements that exemplify this change.

Answer 10

• Before the 1960s, there was the Medical Model of Disability, which viewed disability as a medical illness for which a cure needed to be found.
• After the 1960s, there was a move to the Social Model of Disability, which views disability as a consequence of environmental, social and attitudinal barriers (most disabled people relate to this model).
• Exemplified by:

1 - The move away from institutionalised care.

2 - The Disability Rights movement.

Question 11

Which model of disability preceded the medical model?

How did this model view disability?

Answer 11

The tragedy / charity model, which viewed disability as tragic and in need of charity.

Question 12

How does the Disabled Peoples International (DPI) define disability?

Answer 12

The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers.

Question 13

According to the Disabled Peoples International (DPI), what is the cause of disability?

What is an argument against this?

Answer 13

• According to the DPI, disability results from society failing to adjust to meet the needs and aspirations of a disabled minority.
• An argument against this is that this definition implies that all disability will be eliminated if society removed all the barriers; some people would still be disabled even if all barriers were removed as some aspects, such as pain, are not considered.

Question 14

Who proposed the biopsychosocial model of disability?

When was it proposed?

What is considered in this model to a greater extent than in others?

Answer 14

• George L Engels.
• 1977.
• It focuses on the environment of an individual, and how the person perceives the environment.

Question 15

How does the WHO define wellbeing?

On which model of disability is this definition founded?

Answer 15

• An overall state of health and happiness at the biological, psychological and social levels.
• Founded on the biopsychosocial model of disability.

Question 16

What is the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) a measurement of?

Answer 16

A measure of disability which incorporates biological, psychological and social factors.

Question 17

What is an argument against the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)?

Answer 17

Some believe its measurements are too stringent and unfair.

Question 18

List 2 barriers to reporting unmet needs of disabled people.

Answer 18

1 - Long waiting lists.

2 - Transportation costs.

Question 19

What was the consequence of Darwin’s work on the treatment of disabled people?

List 2 acts that facilitated this change.

Answer 19

• By applying biological principles to upgrade the physical and mental strength of the nations, his work led to a rise in the eugenics movement and the advocation of natural selection.
• The Mental Deficiency Act of 1913 and the Elementary Education Act of 1914 allowed the confinement of people who were ‘feeble-minded’ as a result of this mentality.