Hi for my oral for school I chose to do the topic of discrimination against those with a disability as I find it so wrong. So I'm wondering in all opinions why are those with a disability discriminated against?


I would much appreciate a lot of answers as I would like a wide range of views
Thanks heaps

Because some people are cruel and can't accept difference.

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Originally Posted by kt123456

hi for my oral for school i chose to do the topic of discrimination against those with a disability as i find it so wrong. so im jus wondering in all opinions why are those with a disability discriminated against?


i would much appreciate a lot of answers as i would like a wide range of views
thanks heaps

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People tend to be afraid of anyone who is "different."

And often while it is discrimination, it is sometimes a employer looking out for his own interest.

If you owned a company and you could employ someone that you did not have to do anything for to allow them to work, but you instead chose someone that you have to make changes to the workplace, perhaps cause others to pick up some of the duties that are not the main job they are being hired for.

Lets say you are a smaller business and furnish health insurance, so a person with a disability will be automatically covered by group insurance, but if their disability is ongoing they will have additional bills and usage over that of other employees at times, so next year the cost to the company group insurance goes up.

There is a fear that customers may have a problem with someone that is in a wheel chair or with leg braces or that are "little people" and you are afraid such a choice will hurt your income

I am not defending but merely saying why it happens in some business

JudyKayT's right. Humans have an innate xenophobia. It's both one of the reasons for our evolution and our conflicts and wars. On top of that, there's the dread that they could end up that way at any time (ie, in wheelchair, missing limbs).

Disabilities are hard for other people to deal with. The people who have hard times are the people where everything must be "perfect" for them in their perfect world. They are not realistic in their expectations of how other people can be whether it be a speech defect, a disability involving walking, missing an arm or a leg, missing an eye, etc. These type of closed minded people will have to learn their lesson here on earth and that lesson is to be tolerant of every human being no matter what sort of disability they may have.

In many circumstances its not that people with disabilities are deliberately discriminated against but that the issues of dealing with some disabilities can't be made to work.

For example, would you hire someone with tourette's syndrome for a customer service or sales job? On the other hand, they might be able to handle a software coder's job without a problem.

Company's and people are often made to bend over backwards to accommodate disabilities at a cost much greater then the return. Making a building wheelchair accessible can be expensive, yet a business may not be attractive to a lot of wheelchair users, but a company could be forced to go through the expense when it will clearly not generate income to pay for it.

I could go on with several other examples. Nor do I have a solution to the problem. I don't think its fair that someone with a disability cannot live their lives as full as possible. But I also don't think it fair that someone has to lose money to accommodate a disability.

People are often afraid of what they know nothing about. Many people are not well versed in the area of disabilities- learning, emotional, physical. Its easier not to learn and be closed minded then to expand ones horizons.

Many of today's students with disabiltiies are educated as to their limitations and receive job coaching which allows them to correctly assess what occupations would work best for them.

Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

In many circumstances its not that people with disabilities are deliberately discriminated against but that the issues of dealing with some disabilities can't be made to work.

For example, would you hire someone with tourette's syndrome for a customer service or sales job? On the other hand, they might be able to handle a software coder's job without a problem.

Company's and people are often made to bend over backwards to accommodate disabilities at a cost much greater then the return. Making a building wheelchair accessible can be expensive, yet a business may not be attractive to a lot of wheelchair users, but a company could be forced to go thru the expense when it will clearly not generate income to pay for it.

I could go on with several other examples. Nor do I have a solution to the problem. I don't think its fair that someone with a disability cannot live their lives as full as possible. But I also don't think it fair that someone has to lose money to accommodate a disability.

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Well gem you are selfish, australians need to help the less fortunate i.e. the disabled. Disabled need funding for access ramps etc just as much as third world countrys need help and our support.

Excuse me? Where do you get that I'm selfish? You asked why people with disabilities are discriminated against to help you prepare your oral. I gave you an alternative viewpoint that should help you prepare.

I wholeheartedly agree that the disabled need to be helped and supported. But I feel that the rights of others need to be also considered.

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Originally Posted by kt123456

well gem you are selfish, australians need to help the less fortunate ie the disabled. Disabled need funding for access ramps etc just as much as third world countrys need help and our support.

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This is why I don't think people should get help on the Board with homework - in the case of OP, repeatedly.

It turns into an debate with someone who couldn't find the answer by himself/herself in the first place!

Perhaps it would be easier if the OP wasn't allowed to respond on the thread they posted... just get answers...

But OP, this is a very helpful site to get information on homework.

Google AND this one Yahoo! Oh and this one Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

In many circumstances its not that people with disabilities are deliberately discriminated against but that the issues of dealing with some disabilities can't be made to work.

For example, would you hire someone with tourette's syndrome for a customer service or sales job? On the other hand, they might be able to handle a software coder's job without a problem.

Company's and people are often made to bend over backwards to accommodate disabilities at a cost much greater then the return. Making a building wheelchair accessible can be expensive, yet a business may not be attractive to a lot of wheelchair users, but a company could be forced to go thru the expense when it will clearly not generate income to pay for it.

I could go on with several other examples. Nor do I have a solution to the problem. I don't think its fair that someone with a disability cannot live their lives as full as possible. But I also don't think it fair that someone has to lose money to accommodate a disability.

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OK yes I'm sorry that was harsh calling you selfish I should have expected to receive those comments. But it is a issue close to my heart and it was this comment that got me angry, 'I also don't think it fair that someone has to lose money to accommodate a disability.'

I don't blame you for being upset at that remark. But I ask that you try to be objective about it. Your instructors will want you to. Let me try an example. Lets say you own a store for adventure sports. Now a person in a wheelchair would be highly unlikely to shop in your store. Yet you may be required to make your store wheelchair accessible just in case a wheelchair occupant might want to shop there. Do you think that's fair? I think there may be alternatives in many cases that can still accommodate those with disabilities without causing hardship to others. I think those alternatives need to be explored.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

Lets say you own a store for adventure sports. Now a person in a wheelchair would be highly unlikely to shop in your store. Yet you may be required to make your store wheelchair accessible just in case a wheelchair occupant might want to shop there. Do you think that's fair? I think there may be alternatives in many cases that can still accomodate those with disabilities without causing hardship to others. I think those alternatives need to be explored.

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Why do you assume someone in a wheelchair wouldn't be interested in adventure sports? Maybe their legs are 'no good' but the upper body could be very well developed so that maybe they like some types of climbing. Sorry... my examples are going to sound lame because I'm not really up on my adv sports, but not all of them require perfect physique.

That said... as one who spent some time in a chair, I applaud the ADA but disapprove of the way it's being rammed down merchants' throats. All public buildings should be chair accessible and curbs need to be 'ramped' at corners; but if a merchant doesn't want the biz he may get from the disabled, then it's his loss. It would be good pub rel to accommodate. Minor adaptations are one thing, but mandating they spend thousands to put in ramps or widen doors (sometimes just because they're 'wide enough' but an inch or too narrow for the law) only breeds resentment - the opposite that the disabled seek.

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Originally Posted by WVHiflyer

Why do you assume someone in a wheelchair wouldn't be interested in adventure sports? Maybe their legs are 'no good' but the upper body could be very well developed so that maybe they like some types of climbing. Sorry....my examples are gonna sound lame because I'm not really up on my adv sports, but not all of them require perfect physique.

That said....as one who spent some time in a chair, I applaud the ADA but disapprove of the way it's being rammed down merchants' throats. All public buildings should be chair accessible and curbs need to be 'ramped' at corners; but if a merchant doesn't want the biz he may get from the disabled, then it's his loss. It would be good pub rel to accomodate. Minor adaptations are one thing, but mandating they spend thousands to put in ramps or widen doors (sometimes just because they're 'wide enough' but an inch or too narrow for the law) only breeds resentment - the opposite that the disabled seek.

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I didn't assume anything. I said highly unlikely, not impossible. But you said it (in your second paragraph) better than I did. That's the point I was trying to make.

ScottG - I have an occasionally annoying habit of what Mom called "left-handed compliments"

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Originally Posted by kt123456

ok yes im sorry that was harsh calling you selfish i should have expected to recieve those comments. But it is a issue close to my heart and it was this comment that got me angry, 'I also don't think it fair that someone has to lose money to accommodate a disability.'

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I don't understand your repeated posts about people with disabilities - I don't know what answers you want or expect.

What's the problem here?

I've read through your other posts about your problems and I'm confused about your "issues."

I will give you an example that was on the news, a eating establish opened, it had one step up but they provided someone to help the people in if needed. But that was not good enough for a handicap protest group, they sued and picketed, he could not get a permit from the city for a ramp, and they were not happy with the fact that not all of the tables were acceptable.
Over three years and 10's of thousands of dollars. And he was not by law required since he did meet legal requirement of having someone to assist them in

I just want to point something out...

Most people in wheelchairs have learned to adapt to things in unconventional ways. I know this because my best friend is parapalegic. And the only thing she CAN'T do is walk.

She doesn't complain when there's not a ramp. Getting up one step is fine. She's learned to do just about everything walking folks can do with little adaptations.

And I also want to point out that just because a person isn't likely to shop somewhere doesn't mean they wouldn't be accompaning someone that would.

Thanks Tuscany.

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Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMomma

I just want to point something out...

Most people in wheelchairs have learned to adapt to things in unconventional ways. I know this because my best friend is parapalegic. And the only thing she CAN'T do is walk.

She doesn't complain when there's not a ramp. Getting up one step is fine. She's learned to do just about everything walking folks can do with little adaptations.

And I also want to point out that just because a person isn't likely to shop somewhere doesn't mean they wouldn't be accompaning someone that would.

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I'd be curious what type of wheelchair she has - my husband had a great deal of difficulty with his chair and he never would have been able to go up a step. We found - and this never made sense to me - that establishments (mostly restaurants) that were wheelchair accessible had rest rooms which weren't!

I know there are various models of wheelchairs available - his was quite expensive and I wondered what your friend uses.

I don't know model numbers or anything, but it's a super lite chair. Hers was expensive as well, but the state paid for and decided that she needed because she lives alone and has to lift her chair to get into her car and such. I can find out a model number if you are interested.

Unfortunately people are always afraid of differences. Disabled people are only one group of many that are discriminated against. Allot of people find it hard to accept people that aren't exactly like them, be it because they are in a wheelchair, or blind, the color of their skin, their heritage, and so on.

Why this is so I don't know. I do believe that it is something that is learned, something that is picked up from our parents or other relatives, teachers or friends. We have to teach tolerance to our children, acceptance, love and understanding if we are going to change this world we live in.

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Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMomma

I don't know model numbers or anything, but it's a super lite chair. Hers was expensive as well, but the state paid for and decided that she needed because she lives alone and has to lift her chair to get into her car and such. I can find out a model number if you are interested.

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Yes, I would be because I could find nothing for my husband that would handle a stair and I would like to know if/how/why the salesman couldn't find one.

She said that she doesn't remember... And the writing is all rubbed off the chair...

We know there's a huge spring under the seat... that may help... to get up a step I pull back on the handles and she leans back and rolls the wheels back, I push forward then left the back of the chair...

Or if its low, she pops the front up and wheels fast over the step.

I think the biggest factor in discriminating against those of us who are disabled is fear. Not all labor laws take away from the fear. Like said in previous posts, employers fear they may be required to make accommodations. Others Fear loss of customers. The Fears are endless. On a more personal level, people Fear they will say or do the wrong thing when dealing with an obviously disabled person. In my case, people fear trying to shake hands, closing car doors, allowing me to lift with my good arm, etc. Again an endless list of Fears. Most fear is spawned by ignorance. It's not the fault of people who fear all the things involved with people who are disabled, it's more that they just don't understand.

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Originally Posted by westnlas

I think the biggest factor in discriminating against those of us who are disabled is fear. ... Most fear is spawned by ignorance.

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I used to wear long pants to store in summer because if not some would stare - occ w/ worried look. If kids w/ them, they'd chastize kid f/ being curious. Let them ask. Only way to learn. Aftes 20 yrs, I don't bother w/ long pants. My leg is appreciated Oct 31 (made one to look like f/ Night of Living Dead) so let them learn not to worry when it almost looks 'real.'

I work in Heavy construction and due to my injury I can no longer perform my duties. It is a life and death discussion that I had to make. If I can't control a lever because of a pain... I could accidentally crush you limbs. As an equipment operator I'm no longer an asset but a liability. Each case is unique! Try not to pass judgement on anyone until you know the facts...