Education Writing assignment
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DisabilityandPoverty1.docx3
Disability and Poverty
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Since the 1990s, researchers have acknowledged the correlation between disability and economic hardship. Despite the growing body of evidence attesting to the existence of this connection in the last decade, we still need to learn more about the interplay between these two factors or the causal mechanisms that contribute to the development of this connection. Some persons with disabilities may not be poor, but disability is an essential issue in poverty reduction, and poverty alleviation activities" is becoming more widely acknowledged. The link between disability and poverty, especially multi-dimensional poverty, is poorly understood, although there is a small but rising body of evidence that is beginning to fill this gap. This article intends to analyze poverty for those with disabilities compared to those without, how it is currently being tackled, and whether it is sufficient.
There is much evidence linking low incomes with impairments. As first proposed by Walker (2020), there is growing acceptance that the link is circular, with disability increases the likelihood of social exclusion and participation constraints in spheres such as employment and school (Van Lancker, 2019). In turn, the lack of resources, such as safe working environments and healthcare, that come with poverty increases the likelihood of an impairment that could result in disability (Pinilla-Roncancio, 2021). A deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the interplay between disability and poverty is necessary for informing effective policy and programming for people with disabilities.
Poverty is a widespread issue for people who are disabled. For example, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that people with disabilities are twice as likely to be poor as those without disabilities (Twenge, 2020). The barriers that prevent people with disabilities from gaining the resources and assistance they need to become financially stable are numerous. Among these include overcoming transportation obstacles, gaining access to government benefits, the challenges of securing a steady job, and securing suitable and inexpensive housing. People who are disabled often face additional social stigma and discrimination, which can amplify these difficulties. If they do not have the resources they need to maintain their independence, their situation can be even more precarious (Soltana, 2019). People who are disabled often face additional financial challenges due to the high costs of medical care and prescription drugs. Because of this, people with disabilities have a greater chance of being poor and homeless than the general population.
Few studies have attempted to quantify the financial burden of disability. However, the lack of services and goods (such as assistive devices or medical care) may reduce indirect costs but increase barriers to opportunity and well-being. Barriers to employment and education make it more difficult for low-income people with disabilities to rise above their economic circumstances (Akerkar, 2020). The supposed financial burden is sometimes cited as an excuse for excluding people with impairments (Akerkar, 2020). People with disabilities may be excluded due to a lack of resources devoted to their integration (WHO, 2019). Other justifications focus on worries that integrating people with impairments is too difficult and calls for specialized knowledge or that such individuals require unique programming. Employees may also believe this is not a priority since they are already too busy, or it is solely an issue in high-income countries.
Several programs are currently available to help low-income people with impairments. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get government financial aid from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is another program that helps those who have worked and paid into the system financially and medically in the event of a disability. Medicaid expands health coverage, and state public housing programs lower housing costs. Most states also provide vocational rehabilitation services to assist people with impairments in securing and retaining gainful employment.
On the local level, several organizations provide services and support to individuals with disabilities, including community-based disability rights organizations and non-profit organizations. These organizations provide various services, such as legal advocacy, housing assistance, peer support, job placement, and more. Additionally, faith-based organizations often provide support to people with disabilities, such as access to shelter, transportation, meals, emergency, and other services. Overall, there is a growing awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and a wide range of initiatives are in place to address poverty for individuals with disabilities. However, more must be done to ensure that people with disabilities can access the resources and services they need to achieve financial security.
According to Tsalis (2020), the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provide a solid framework for guiding the global community, national governments, and local communities toward the achievement of disability-inclusive development. The guarantee to leave no one behind, including people with disabilities and other marginalized groups, is central to the 2030 Agenda, and disability is acknowledged as a cross-cutting issue that must be considered in the execution of all of the goals (Tsalis, 2020). The Agenda's seven goals and eleven indicators all directly or indirectly refer to people with disabilities, including: access to employment and education; provision of accessible schools; inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities; improvement of countries' ability to disaggregate data by disability; accessibility of public and green spaces; accessibility of transportation.
The existing initiatives to alleviate poverty among people with disabilities are commendable, but in my opinion, they do not meet all the requirements. Disabled people have not yet achieved economic independence because they lack access to the resources that able-bodied people take for granted. Some impediments also decrease the inclusion of people with impairments. One of the greatest obstacles to achieving opportunity equality and social inclusion for people with disabilities is people's attitudes, which can result in prejudice and stigmatization, depriving them of their dignity and potential. (Stein, 2021).
When people have a bad attitude, it hinders their progress in every area of life (WHO, 2019). Disabled persons often face bullying, fear, low expectations, and prejudice because nondisabled people cannot see past the impairment they see. However, the inclusion of people with disabilities might be hindered by a lack of policy enforcement and political support (Young, 2023). The U.S. Census Bureau reports that people with disabilities have a poverty rate about twice that of the general population (Twenge, 2020). Also, Sage's research (2019) shows that the disparity between rich and poor people with disabilities is even more prominent among rural residents, women, and people of color (Sage, 2019). These discrepancies indicate that the existing strategies for alleviating poverty among people with disabilities are ineffective.
Providing assistance and services that are suited to the requirements of people with disabilities is one area that could use improvement. Access to medical and mental health treatments adapted housing, and job training is just a few examples of the individualized supports and services that people with disabilities may need, but that is not always provided by the various organizations that aim to help them. Even more, the study is required to learn about the causes and solutions to poverty among persons with disabilities. Disabled people are more likely to be poor than the general population because they have additional challenges in obtaining a living wage, obtaining an education, and participating in social and economic life. (Sage, 2019).
It has been demonstrated that inclusive education, in which all students, including those with disabilities or other learning challenges, are fully engaged in high-quality education, is particularly effective in assisting all students in their educational pursuits. However, there are still challenges to implementing inclusive education systems (Florian, 2019). As with children without disabilities, the goal of providing educational opportunities is to help all children reach their full potential and become productive, contributing members of their communities. Children who have disabilities frequently need specialized services and support in order to learn the material that is being taught to them.
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