Perception of Disability Based on Cultural Environment

More than 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability, representing at least 17% of the global population and forming the largest minority group in the world. Eighty percent of disabilities are acquired later in life, so with an aging global population, the need for disability-centered conversations and spaces is on the rise. Despite this growth, the disabled population is often viewed as disposable, if viewed at all. Disabled voices have not had a seat at the metaphorical table where important decisions are made. As a result, accessibility has become an afterthought instead of an integral part of the process. Organizations across the world have formed to fill the gaps in disability awareness and accessibility, brought on by the lack of representation. In my project, I will work with independent organizations that cetner disability and work with varying populations in order to witness how culture may affect the definition and perception of disability. 

 

My Watson Journey will begin in Sweden from August to the end of October. A Nordic country in Northern Europe, Sweden has established itself among the most accessible and accommodating cultures across the globe. Support and service to disabled persons is intertwined in Swedish law, providing affordable universal healthcare and accommodations when needed. A stay at the hospital for one night in Sweden costs an average of $10, while prescription drugs have an annual cap of $210. Disabled people are expected to be in the middle of the action because they are not seen as odd or defective. I plan to travel to Sweden to witness how perception and definition of disability shifts as a result of universal healthcare and widespread accessibility. 

 

The Independent Living Institute (ILI) is a policy development center specializing in consumer-driven policies for disabled peoples’ self determination, self-respect, and dignity. They hold the belief that independent living does not mean that we want to do everything by ourselves and do not need anybody or that we want to live in isolation. Independent Living means that we demand the same choices and control in our every-day lives that our non-disabled brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends take for granted. Emphasizing the autonomy and agency of disabled bodies was intriguing and exciting for me to read, so I reached out to their Director, Jamie Bolling. There are currently three active projects that the ILI is leading. The first spreads knowledge and awareness of Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which pushes for every individual’s right to a self-determined life in their community regardless of functionality. The second, Disabled Refugees Welcome, develops methods to improve conditions for the reception of disabled newcomers in Sweden. The third, Disability Rights Defenders, focuses on equal rights and access to justice through a network of individuals and organizations that focus on disability law. All three of these projects spiked my interest due to their focus on both disability and law, so Jamie Bolling offered me a floating intern position. I would be able to work within each project and interact with leaders to fight for accessibility within a culture that values disabled voices. The ILI office is located in Stockholm, Sweden, a fairly affordable city with a young and growing population. 

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The second destination on my Watson Journey will be New Zealand from November to the end of January. The New Zealand government claims that 25% of their population is disabled, a staggering 8% difference from the global statistic. I hypothesize that the country’s perception of disability either encourages individuals from claiming that identity or recognizes the fluid definition of disability. Despite over 1 million New Zealanders living with a disability or access need, many citizens continue to find that the most common areas of public life, such as public spaces, education and employment opportunities, housing and transport are not easily accessible. When it comes to participating in public life such as going shopping, visiting restaurants and cafes, museums, the beach and other outdoor activities, 78% of survey respondents said that they needed some form of accessibility support for them to be able to participate. In order to center disabled voices and understand the frustration of inaccessibility, I searched for an organization that focused on accommodations. 

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Hearing Dogs New Zealand exists to enhance the independence and wellbeing of deaf and severely hearing-impaired New Zealanders through the provision of specially-trained Hearing Dogs, to internationally recognised standards.They also offer trainings on how to spot a hearing dog and provide guidance on the rights of service animals, since denying access to a person with a hearing dog is considered a serious offence under New Zealand law. I have always loved dogs, although I have never owned a dog as my father is severely allergic. As a Type 1 Diabetic, I hope to get a service dog of my own in order to support me through hypoglycemic episodes. My contact with the organization, General Manager Clare McLaughlin, was eager to hear about my proposal idea and seemed eager to provide mentorship in the area of disability advocacy. Assisting with the training of hearing dogs will give me a better understanding of accommodations, and interacting with recipients will provide the opportunity to hear first-hand frustrations of accessibility in a country where disability is quite prevalent. 

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The rest of my Watson Year is still in the works! I plan to travel to Ireland and Italy. I'll keep you updated!