If my query is a repeat of old territory, feel free to direct me to other
info, preferably www sites, etc. -- as my access to non-internet sources is
limited at this time. Thank you.
I've been a subscriber to this list for over a year, read much but not all,
and posted from time to time. Most especially, I appreciate the philosphcal
discussions and the wealth of information and resources and range of
opinions that people freely share. The field of disability-studies offers a
richness that was not available decades ago when I was an undergraduate. I
applaud those who work so hard to make these departments available to
today's and tomorrow's students. (You know who you are -- take a bow.)
I am interested in understanding application of social model of disability
[or any other theoretical framework, for that matter] in the context of
"physical illness" (e.g., the physiological functioning of internal organs
or metabolic or autonomic processes). i.e. When internal organs do not
function, the the kinds of social issues are different than access issues
that are at play with (for example) "orthopedic" constraints. Of course he
medical model is not sufficient, but what parts of it might benecessary?
Put another way: "people in the general public" think of disability issues
(if at all) in terms of wheelchair ramps, signing, and other visibile
acommodations -- and possibly also in terms of stigma related to
psychiatric ad/or developmental conditions/labels. In that regard, we have
come a long way since ten/twenty/more years ago. But where is the
examination of health-/illness-related disability issues ? Whether it is
extreme chemical sensitivities, or diabetes, or sickle-cell anemia,
exclusion because of "not having the stregth to participate" in activities
of life is a different kettle of fish than exclusion because of
disrimination or "not being able to get into a building."
I am not attempting to engage in the fruitless comparative ["disablity A is
worse than disability B"] - though I do understand that som "disabling
illnesses" (for lack of a better term are) sometimes most effectively
described in terrms of "similar to [fill in the blank]."
So, how do researchers usefully address "Quality of LIfe" issues in the
Social Model?
I look forward to reading people's comments. And, if anythng I heve written
sounds offensive or argumentative, please know that it is unintended --
please accept my apologies. Thank you.
In connection
Judith Winter <[log in to unmask]>
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