“Disabled people are absent in culture, when they are present they are represented in wholly stereotypical ways.” – Barnes and Mercer (2003)
The above picture is taken at the entrance of a popular food court in Auckland City. This is popular amongst everyday Aucklander’s as well as tourists. There is no ramp nearby or an entrance that allows access for a wheelchair. However, despite being a popular spot it is fairly impossible for a person with a wheelchair to get inside. As Erving Goffman has stated before, that being disabled means you are seen as different and as “an individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance” (Lewiecki & Wilson, 2001, p. 170). In our present society, participation is crucial in order to move it forward. …show more content…
Of course, with this is mind it is crucial to remember that despite the good intention it is very easy to forget the role of disabled people in our society. In relation to the quote, this can be read in two ways, the involvement and belittling of disabled people. The section for wheelchairs has not been cornered off and infact allows even able-bodied citizens to sit on the same seats. However, what is interesting are the steps that separate the two sections of seats. It leaves the person wondering if they are treated on the same level as everybody else. It is almost like a hierarchy between the two groups. Simply because able-bodied citizens can use every part of their body they are given the opportunity to sit a level above those who cannot. There is also the notion of belittling people with mental disabilities. As this disability is not visible it becomes very ignored by the majority of society. People often sit on these seats thinking they are only for those who have a physical impairment that is visible. Yet, seem to ignore factors that may be hurting a person mentally. We can also link this to how the “social model centres on the issue of ‘otherness’” (Swain, 2004, p. 9). Disabled people’s feelings and experiences are ignored in favour of the majority. Therefore, they are placed in the category of ‘other’ as in they are not seen as normal. Whether or not the disability is visible, society chooses to state …show more content…
It is purely impossible to go a full day without using one. Therefore, it is essential that cubicles be placed around at certain locations of a building where full access can be allowed. The above picture was taken in the Architecture building at University of Auckland. As a University, there are several cubicles placed around campus and all do have ways to get inside. The social disability model comes to mind when speaking of this as it says, “says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference” (Scope, 2016). Disabled toilets are often separated from those used by able-bodied people. Yet, placing it inside a normal public bathroom almost states that the disabled should be grateful that they are being included. On one side there is the feeling of being involved and being seen as one with society. Yet, at the same time these bathrooms only offer one cubicle for the disabled. It is a representation that society does not seen disabled people as often therefore their involvement is not required. Alongside this, as there is an absence of representation for the disabled it is very easy for able-bodied members of society to use spaces that are not meant for them. The stereotype that may come with this is those who use wheelchairs are not capable when this is not always the case. They are immediately looked down upon without being given a proper chance. It is an
The above picture is taken at the entrance of a popular food court in Auckland City. This is popular amongst everyday Aucklander’s as well as tourists. There is no ramp nearby or an entrance that allows access for a wheelchair. However, despite being a popular spot it is fairly impossible for a person with a wheelchair to get inside. As Erving Goffman has stated before, that being disabled means you are seen as different and as “an individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance” (Lewiecki & Wilson, 2001, p. 170). In our present society, participation is crucial in order to move it forward. …show more content…
Of course, with this is mind it is crucial to remember that despite the good intention it is very easy to forget the role of disabled people in our society. In relation to the quote, this can be read in two ways, the involvement and belittling of disabled people. The section for wheelchairs has not been cornered off and infact allows even able-bodied citizens to sit on the same seats. However, what is interesting are the steps that separate the two sections of seats. It leaves the person wondering if they are treated on the same level as everybody else. It is almost like a hierarchy between the two groups. Simply because able-bodied citizens can use every part of their body they are given the opportunity to sit a level above those who cannot. There is also the notion of belittling people with mental disabilities. As this disability is not visible it becomes very ignored by the majority of society. People often sit on these seats thinking they are only for those who have a physical impairment that is visible. Yet, seem to ignore factors that may be hurting a person mentally. We can also link this to how the “social model centres on the issue of ‘otherness’” (Swain, 2004, p. 9). Disabled people’s feelings and experiences are ignored in favour of the majority. Therefore, they are placed in the category of ‘other’ as in they are not seen as normal. Whether or not the disability is visible, society chooses to state …show more content…
It is purely impossible to go a full day without using one. Therefore, it is essential that cubicles be placed around at certain locations of a building where full access can be allowed. The above picture was taken in the Architecture building at University of Auckland. As a University, there are several cubicles placed around campus and all do have ways to get inside. The social disability model comes to mind when speaking of this as it says, “says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference” (Scope, 2016). Disabled toilets are often separated from those used by able-bodied people. Yet, placing it inside a normal public bathroom almost states that the disabled should be grateful that they are being included. On one side there is the feeling of being involved and being seen as one with society. Yet, at the same time these bathrooms only offer one cubicle for the disabled. It is a representation that society does not seen disabled people as often therefore their involvement is not required. Alongside this, as there is an absence of representation for the disabled it is very easy for able-bodied members of society to use spaces that are not meant for them. The stereotype that may come with this is those who use wheelchairs are not capable when this is not always the case. They are immediately looked down upon without being given a proper chance. It is an