Equality and Compassion...

The central values of Social Democrats include equality, freedom, and fellowship (Mullaly, 2007, p. 122). The notion of equality has always been an issue among all people. Although legally every human being is now seen as a person, there are still some major kinks in the system that need to be worked out.

There are a number of services offered to people who do have a physical disability such as shuttle services, wheelchair ramps, easy access parking spots, et cetera. These services are designed specifically for people who have some sort of physical disability that impedes their ability to access the same services and benefits as a person who does not have a physical disability. They offer as much assistance as possible so that these people may be as independent as they can, and so they might be able to obtain the same quality of life as those who do not suffer from a physical disability. I believe that these services can be viewed as socially democratic because of their nature to provide a level of equality of condition between those affected with a physical disability and those who are not.

Along with all of these amenities made available to people with disabilities, there are always some people who feign a disability and end up abusing the services (for example, a person without a disability who uses a parking spot designated for those who have physical disabilities). It is people such as this that pose a risk to the entire system. There are also some people who refuse to accommodate those who have a physical disability. Some people simply refuse to acknowledge the fact that people with disabilities may need assistance in the achievement of an independent lifestyle. As is the case in the article written by Nick Ternette for the Winnipeg Free Press, certain Winnipeg Transit drivers are inconsiderate in regards to lowering the wheelchair ramp or requesting that passengers move to the back of the bus so that persons requiring priority seating may ride the bus as well (Winnipeg Free Press, 2011). This problem, when viewed as a whole, can be seen as specific persons impeding the equality of condition (and/or level of equality of opportunity from a Liberal perspective) among the community of persons with physical disabilities.

There are also government statutes which prohibit the discrimination against people who are physically disabled (Canadian Department of Justice, 1982). This also includes freedom from discrimination in the workplace. As much as this statute means to people who live with a physical disability, there are those who find ways to get around these laws. Some employers will terminate an employment contract if one's physical disability becomes more prominent. They will not use this as the reason for termination, they will think of something nondiscriminatory so that the person receiving the letter of termination will be unsuspecting as to the actual reason. I know this to be true in at least two cases involving people that I know personally. Although this does seem like a Liberal standpoint, I find that these particular employers are not enabling this vulnerable population the equality of opportunity, which could then be turned into lack of equality of condition if the person with the physical disability. If said person were to lose their employment (due to their physical disability), the quality of condition and life that they were accustomed to would then be diminished as they would have no financial resources to continue living that way.

People who live their lives with a physical disability do not need, nor do they deserve, to be ridiculed or made to feel helpless and dependent. We as a society need to understand that their physical disability does not define who they are; persons with physical disabilities are the same as everyone else, each individual is their own person and deserves to be treated as such. People who live with a physical disability deserve the same quality of life as someone who does not have a physical disability. Every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. As a society we need to advocate and support services and benefits that allow people with disabilities to live an independent lifestyle. This is what social democracy is all about, placing focus on the well being of the entire community, not just the individual (Mullaly, 2007, p. 123).

Canadian Department of Justice. (1982). Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Ottawa, ON:      Author.
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/Charter/page-1.html#anchorbo-ga:l_I-gb:s_15

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

Ternette, R. (2011). Winnipeg Free Press (05.19.2011).
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/transits-wheelchair-service-spotty-122217798.html

Alyssa