Funding Please...

People with physical disabilities often belong to support groups, that often them a sense of belonging, support and resources.  Social democratic society believes that humans are social creatures.  Many of these groups depend on funding from the provincial and federal governments. Social democracy believes in equality of condition, or at least the serious effort to reduce, as much as possible, major inequalities of wealth, income, social status, and political influence.” (Mullaly, 2007) this is very different from the liberal believe in “equality of opportunity.”  Liberalism believes that everyone should have the opportunity to do the same as everyone else, but liberalism has to contend with the 50-meter head start.  Social democracy tries to eliminate the gap in the 100-meter race, by having programs that are designed to help families get access to programs and facilities that would be accessible to them otherwise.

As a person with a physical disability I am a member of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba and Society of Manitobans with Disabilities.  These two groups depend on funding from the government to keep their programs running.  These groups provide me with support and funding for special equipment that makes my life much easier.  These groups also provide me with the opportunity for scholarships.

Social democracy is the best ideology that works for physical disabilities, because they try and make inequalities less prevalent and the world more accommodating for people with physical disabilities.

References

Mullaly,Bob. (2007) The New Structural Social Work. Third Edition, Oxford University Press

Jordan

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

Equal opportunity that is what the liberal ideology is based on.  Liberals believe if you give the entire population the same opportunities that it will have a strong impact on society.  But they are forgetting “…if one person has a 50-meter head start in a 100-meter race, it is not likely that the other person will ever catch up.” (Mullaly 2007) meaning people may have the same opportunity but if you start off with hardships against you, it will be harder for you to compete against other people. For example, having a physical disability.

Liberalism has shaped the Canadian society.  The Liberal Party though not the same as the ideology does have some of the same views, the Liberal Party has been in power for the majority of Canada’s history. That’s where Canada’s welfare system came from and Canada’s Medicare system was introduced by Tommy Douglas a Liberal from Saskatchewan.

People with physical disabilities start out 50-meters behind those who live without a physical disability. The 50-meter head start is very visible, in our school system and in the workforce.  Gym actives aren’t always designed for or to include the child in the activity, play structure aren’t always the most accommodating either, they aren’t always wheelchair accessible, and some activities on the structures can be quite challenging for a child with a physical disability, and easy for child who don’t live with a physical disability. In 2006 it was reported that 39.8% of children ages 5-14 have severe limitations in their day to day life. (Statistics Canada.( 2007) Participation and Activity Limitation Survey)   School can be hard enough, but to have a physical disability and not be able to join your friends can be even worse.   

The workplace can be very challenging as well, maybe not as challenging as schools, but they can still be challenging for people that have a physical disability.  Employees may be reluctant to hire someone with a physical disability because accommodations might have to be made to the workplace to make it accessible to the new employee.  Most of the changes that may have to be made to accommodation a physical disability are tax deductible.

Does this really sound like everyone is starting at the same starting line?

References

 Mullaly,Bob. (2007) The New Structural Social Work. Third Edition, Oxford University Press

Statistics Canada. (2007) Participation and Activity Limitation Survey.  December 3, 2007, Date retrieved December 14, 2010.

Jordan

Healing is Important

The first residential school in Canada opened in 1874 when the Indian Act was passed that made the education of aboriginal children the responsibly of the Canadian government.  The residential schools were set up by the government and operated by churches.  The purpose of the schools were to teach the children “Canadian culture” and teach them that the Aboriginal culture was wrong.  The students were not allowed to practise their culture, they lost their Aboriginal name and it was replaced with a “Canadian” name, they could not speak their native tongue etc.  The schools were also home to a mountain of abuse.  The former students tell stories of emotional, physical and sexual abuse.  The students were taken from their home and lost all their culture.  They are known as the “lost generation”.

Many of the survivors have turned to drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships to help deal with the psychological issues.  

Many of the children of this generation are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  Nine in every 1,000 babies born in Canada have some form of FASD.  FASD is caused by the drinking of alcohol during pregnancy.  Learning disabilities, depression, over-compulsive disorder, facial deformities, and inability to understand consequences are some of the long list of effects of FASD. (Health Canada(2009) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)

To help lower the FASD statistics we must focus on the healing of their mothers.  The government of Canada has come to the same conclusion.  The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada gathers stories and helps the aboriginal community heal.  The Aboriginal Foundation set up a healing camp at Weaver’s Lake Manitoba,(CBC News (2010) Renew Aboriginal Healing Foundation: MP’s) the camp help survivors learn coping mechanisms and helps them get in touch with their culture as the camp as the camp uses traditional practices to help heal.  

~Jordan   

References

Health Canada. (2009) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved December 14, 2010, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/fasd-etcaf-eng.php

CBC News. (2010) Renew Aboriginal Healing Foundation: MP’s. Retrieved December 14, 2010 from, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2010/06/17/aboriginal-healing-commons-report.html

For the Sake of the Child

Raising a child with a physical disability can be increasing difficult on a family.  The job of raising a child is usually left to the responsibility of the mother.  “Women have the greatest responsibility for the family, including children and elder care.” (Mullaly, 20007)

Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism is no easy task.  According to a study done at Washington State University, three out of five mothers that have a child with Autism does not compete in the workforce. Washington State University (2010, June 23).

“Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as autism, is a neurological disorder which causes developmental disability. Autism affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests.” (Autism Society of Canada, 2009)

The study also concluded that out of the 326 families that were a part of the study, just over half of the mothers have a decreased workload, and close to 60% of the families had financial problems.  Researchers also found that mothers had to deal with extra doctor’s appointments and had deal with conflicts at daycares and schools more often then not.

Feminism is meant to give women a sense of empowerment and give her a sense of worth. Raising a child with a physical disability such as autism, where the child can have mood swings and sometimes get aggressive, it isn’t always easy to find a daycare equipped to meet those special needs.  Mothers will always do what is best for their child, and if that means staying at home and not competing in the workforce, it is done for the sake of their child.

 References

 Mullaly,Bob. (2007) The New Structural Social Work. Third Edition, Oxford University Press

Washington State University (2010, June 23). Mothers of children with autism pay price in workplace. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/06/100623085725.htm

Autism Society of Canada (2009) Ten Common Questions. Date Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca/general_info/ten_common_questions/index_e.html

Jordan

Immigration and a disability

YourDictionary defines marginalization as “to exclude or ignore esp. by relegating to the outer edge of a group or by diverting the public's attention to something else.” Mallaly (2007) states that “marginalization affects primarily people of colour, old and young persons, many single mothers and their children, and physically and mentally disabled people.” Marginalization is a form of oppression that immigrants may feel upon entering a whole new world to them.

For a person to immigrate to Canada the average cost is over five hundred dollars according to Citizen and Immigration Canada and the wait time is approximately 15-19 months. The cost of over five hundred dollars does not include work permits, study permits, children, dependents or other family members; this is the cost for just a single applicant. In 2007, in addition to the wait time and costly process, an applicant that is expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada can be deemed inadmissible if they do not pass the medical examination for reasons that include mental and physical disabilities. According to My health has improved because I always have everything I need here…: A qualitative exploration of health improvement and decline among immigrants (Dean & Wilson, 2010) immigrants in Canada make up approximately 20% of the total population and in the future will continue to account for a significant portion of the country's population.

According to Pay to Pass (Rosenberg 2008), if an applicant fails to pass a medical examination or if the applicant has a condition that is “expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada,” the applicant will be considered inadmissible. “In 2007, the excessive demand threshold was set at $4,806 per year ($24,030 over a five-year period).” This amount will most likely not get an immigrant coming into Canada that far and especially not adequate for persons with physical disabilities needing social services. On the other hand, if a person who does not pass the medical examination can provide a convincing financial plan that they plan to follow, the immigration officer can now deem the immigrant as admissible. “Such a financial plan would usually take the form of a statutory declaration of ability and intent to cover the costs of social services. It may also include a detailed credible care plan, financial documents and commitment letters from those involved in providing the care for the applicant.”

There are strict rules and regulations around who can enter with and without passing their medical examinations. According to Pay to Pass (Rosenberg 2008), “certain applicants, such as spouses or dependent children who are being sponsored, refugees and other protected persons are exempted from the minimum health requirements, so long as they do not have a medical condition that would pose a threat to public health or safety. Other applicants, such as sponsored parents and grandparents, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, provincial nominees and the rest all have to pass their medical examinations in full.” 

The study My health has improved because I always have everything I need here…: A qualitative exploration of health improvement and decline among immigrants done on immigrants living in the Greater Toronto Area revealed that most people feel overwhelmed and stressed upon arriving and trying to get by day to day. In the study, it is interesting to note that “nearly all participants (20) expressed negative views about the health care system in Canada ranging from difficulty in finding a family physician, to long wait times and to dissatisfaction with services” (Dean & Wilson, 2010)

In the journal article done by Malmusi, Borrell & Benach (2010) it was discussed that immigrants often have better living conditions in their home country before immigrating to a new country. Migration-related health inequalities: Showing the complex interactions between gender, social class and place of origin “showed that cumulative inequality, both in the place of origin, with poorer socio-economic environment in childhood and growth and in the place of destination, with chronic exposure to work hazards, poor living conditions, hardship and discrimination, mechanisms that are well recognized as causal factors of racial and ethnic inequalities in health” (Malmusi, Borrell & Benach, 2010).

In conclusion, with all of the information provided, when an immigrant is accepted into Canada, should they not be treated equally like everyone else in the country? Why do they have a restriction put on them to use only $4,806 per year for social services? If Canada is allowing immigrants into Canada then why are they not fully prepared to provide for them just as they are to provide for other citizens living within the country?

References

Deana, J, & Wilson, K. (2010). My health has improved because I always have everything I need here…: a qualitative exploration of health improvement and decline among immigrants. Social Science & Medicine, 70(8), doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.01.009

Malmusi, D, Borrell, C, & Benach, J. (2010). Migration-related health inequalities: showing the complex interactions between gender, social class and place of origin. Social Science & Medicine, 71(9), doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.07.043

Mullaly, R. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3^{rd ed.).} Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.

-Tiffany

Aging: Bad to the Bone

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of skeletal muscle mass with aging. It is thought to be associated with functional impairment and physical disability. Many elderly people suffer from physical disabilities as they age and continue to age. Most people are not born with a physical disabilities, but as you age and your bodies functions begin to deteriorate. Although the normal aging process is accompanied by declines in physical capacity, ' mobility, and endurance, which may result in the loss of independent living and muscle strength; physical activity among the elderly population may lower the number of elderly people at risk and suffering from a physical disability that seems to come along with aging. The cardiopulmonary system has received alot of attention, as it is involved with the most basic functions of everyday life. However healthy diet and simple workout may be proven to benefit your health in the future.

The study called Sarcopenia, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, and Physical Disability in Community-Dwelling Elderly People, questions whether muscle mass and physical activity in elderly people reduces the chance of developing a physical disability in the future. The study took 275 elderly people from the community about 150 were men and 125 were women over the age of 65 years. Severe sarcopenia associated with an increased chance of functional impairment and physical disability in the elderly from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The study showed that strength and daily energy outflow (kcal/kg/day) were not considerably different between the participants with sarcopenia and those with normal skeletal muscle mass index. The odds ratio for physical disability between the participants with sarcopenia and those with normal Skeletal mass Index was 303 (95% confidence interval= 1.21-7.61). In conclusion sarcopenia was associated with physical disability in elderly men. There was only a casual relationship between physical activity, cardio fitness, physical disability and sarcopenia.  

In the article obesity, intentional weight loss and physical disability in older adults, states that obesity in elderly people is correlated with physical disabilities. People with high BMI’s (body mass index) for your specific age and height may have a relationship with physical disabilities along with physical activity among people of the old age population. It also suggests that obesity by the age of 30 may be correlated and have an even greater risk of developing a physical disability in the future. However on the bright side physical activity can decrease the chances of obesity and lower your chances of developing a physical activity later in life.

So although it is difficult to define exactly why aging may increase the chances of developing a physical disability; physical activity, healthy eating habits while staying active as we continue to age may in fact lower your risk of developing a physical disability in the future. It is difficult to determine an exact amount of how much physical activity and healthy eating habits may contribute to the decrease in risk of developing a physical disability but it is shown that with effort and consistent exertion it is proven to help most individuals as we age.

References:

Rejeski, W.J., Marsh, A.P., Chmelo, E., Rejeski, J.J., Obesity, intentional weight loss and physical disability in older adults. Obesity Reviews; Sep2010, Vol. 11 Issue 9, p671-685, 15p, 3 Charts, 2 Graphs retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=107&sid=8961684a-474e-46a9-a48b-dc27fda7cdb1%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=53074137

Meng-Yueh Chien, Hsu-Ko Kuo, Ying-Tai Wu. Sarcopenia, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, and Physical Disability in Community-Dwelling Elderly People. Physical therapy. Sep2010, Vol. 90 Issue 9, p1277-1287, 11p, 4 Charts retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy1.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=111&sid=193cda49-315c-4791-936f-4e35ee7899e3%40sessionmgr114&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=54326329db=aph&AN=54326329

-Autumn B.

The Exclusive Club

Immigration into Canada is thought to be simple and common. However it appears many immigrants struggle with the effort to be let into Canada, depending on whether they are a person with a physical or mental disability or if they are at the lower end of socioeconomic status you have little to no chance of immigrating into Canada. If you have the money and are 100% healthy you have a much greater chance of being let in. Social work in Canada is said to be set towards a liberal and social democratic view where everyone is to be equal and have equal opportunities in our country. However if you do not have the cash and are facing other challenges such as a physical or mental disability it gives the government a reason to deny the person with the disability to enter and immigrate into Canada.

The article by Wayne Kondro on Canadian prohibition against immigrants with disabilities shows how difficult it is for anyone with a physical disability to enter our country. The article focused on a German woman who had multiple sclerosis and decided to challenge the Canadian government prohibition against immigrants with physical and mental disabilities. She in fact was denied Canadian citizenship solely for the reason of her physical disability and fell into the inadmissible class, which is considered along side with criminals. For a person to be inadmissible under this provision, she or he should be currently suffering from a disease, disorder, disability or other health impairment or pose danger to the country. The government considered her a burden on our country and health care system simpley because of her physical disability.

Not allowing people to enter Canada based solely on their physical disability I think goes against Canada’s essence as a country and its soul meaning for equality and “social minimum”. If everyone is considered equal with equal opportunities, immigrants that have a physical disability would be just as eligible to enter Canada as the next person without a physical disability. Canada may appear to be a place where everyone is considered to be equal but this article shows that this may not always be true.

References

http://www.canadaimmigrationlaw.net/Library/admissibility.htm.

Wayne, K. (2002). Canadian prohibition against immigrants with disabilities is challenged.Vol. 359 Issue 9302, p240, 1/2p 359 retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=19&hid=10&sid=648e4001-7725-4b4f-b594-a2c21491b305%40sessionmgr113 

-Autumn B.