Discussion Post Disability Studies

A.  There have been many challenges in the courts dealing with discrimination against persons with disabilities. Research any one of the Supreme Court Rulings or other legal case, and in your own words (no cut and paste, please) provide a brief summary of the case and its outcome. Was the ruling advantageous or disadvantageous to persons with disabilities?

B.  This week, we are also discussing a controversial, sensitive and complex issue: the “right to die” as illustrated by the case of Larry McCafee found in Week 5 e-resources. There are a number of underlying assumptions and ethical as well as legal implications:  Should there be a public policy difference for persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities? The underlying factor is the assumption that persons with disabilities are more likely to want to end their life and that, given the challenges they face, we, as a society may not fight for their right to live.

Question: Do you agree with disability rights advocates that Larry McCafee’s story “was another chilling reminder of how a disabled life was dismissed? How does his case illustrate the points about disability we have covered thus far?