Opinion Editorial - Exclusion of Disabled People: Part of Our Ugly History

Running head: OPINION EDITORIAL
OPINION EDITORIAL
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note

OPINION EDITORIAL
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Title: exclusion of disabled people: a part of our ugly history
Date: 17th December 2019
By student name
The opener:
Disability has emerged as one of the most common public health issues affecting the
population around the globe. Approximately more than 4.4 million individuals in Australia are
experiencing some form of disability, accounting for 1 in 5 people. The probability of existing
with disability intensifying with age since 2 out of 5 individuals living with a disability are 65
years or more than 65 years (Australian network of disability, 2019). Even in the global context,
individuals with a disability are experiencing disability not only because of the impairment but
also because of the attitude of society. In this context, we need to realize that by changing
attitudes, values, and beliefs and communicating with the community, we can provide a

OPINION EDITORIAL
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population life of independence and purpose. Hence, convincing that disabled people are a
fundamental part of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State are necessary
actions that promote the common good.
The body:
Individuals with disabilities in Australia continue to experience barriers that prevent
them from exploring their full civil, political, social, economic, cultural and developmental
rights. This exclusion of disabled people from society is largely due to awareness, ignorance, and
prejudice in our society. In addition, since some legislation fails to safeguard the rights of
individuals with disabilities, these individuals experience difficulties associated with
transportation, access to health care services, public building. Public transports lack of specific
area for accommodating a wheelchair and public building without a private lift to accommodate
wheelchair are common instances that highlight the issues experienced by disabled people.
The history of the social model of disability begins with the history of the disability
movement in the United Kingdom in 1975 where the model stated, “disability is caused by the
way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference”. This model is
different from the medical model of disability which since it looks at ways of removing barriers
that limit life choices for disabled people (Goering, 2015). By overcoming the barrier, disabled
people can be independent and equal in society with life choices. Apart from the accessibility,
the negative and discriminating attitude of the society and health care staff towards disabled
people hinder the population to live an independent life. It is often common phenomena in our
society that health professionals and other individuals treat the disabled population without
necessary respect which breached the common rights of the disabled people and subject them to
high psychological distress (Ruhindwa, Randall & Cartmel, 2016). At the local and global levels,