Based on a two year study in Regina, Saskatchewan, the disability rate of an Indigenous group in Canada: the First Nations, is 32 percent. Written in this research article are many obstacles that the physically disabled Aboriginals have to overcome. In this study a selection of First Nations are chosen for research and although the research illustrates many hindrances, the most prevalent reasons are their wanted independence, the unstable employment, and the lack of income.
The partakers in the study all wanted the ability to make their own decisions and to have individual choices so that they do not have to depend on anyone else. However, many felt that because they belong to the group of the physically disabled and First Nations, they would not be able to reach their wanted independence. The physically disabled participants have expressed that they have been “restricted from the decision-making process, whether it be in regard to their person or to the policies that affect and control their lives” (Durst, 2006, p. 4). Both factors; being disabled and Aboriginal, deny them of having an equal opportunity in life and being accepted as an individual within a community. Not being able to have your independence can drive a person to hopelessness and motivate them to take the wrongful actions. In my opinion we never really look at our independence in a way others do. We sometimes take our independence for granted and we never really realize the effect it has on our lives.
Another obstacle that the participants face plays an important role in all the aspects of their life. The instability of employment income has undeniably and has always been an issue amongst the Aboriginals and the physically disabled. So what do you do when you belong to both category, how do you support yourself economically? The fact is, as shown in the study, it is immensely difficult to find a steady, good paying job with the barriers that these participants have. According to a survey the unemployment rate for Aboriginals is an estimation of being four times greater than any other Canadian. That statistic is very concerning, but imagine being disabled as well; it’s even greater. A participant of the study stated that, “Accessibility in the workplace and attendant services are necessary for me. If they are not available or accessible, then I am pretty restricted to where I can work,” (Durst, 2006, p. 6). We cannot be naive and say that an employer would rather hire an Aboriginal who is physically disabled rather than any other applicant. And if they did find employment the barrier of being physically disabled “did not allow for a comfortable or accessible work environment” (Durst, 2006, p. 6).
Income and money affect our lives. Although we’d like to say that it’s not everything in this world, it plays a very significant role. Without it we would not be able to provide ourselves with our basic necessities. As the participants begin to discuss the obstacles of being Aboriginal and disabled money comes up countless times. They always questioned how they can pay for many things, or where can they get the money, or if a necessity is affordable. Many partakers in the discussion expressed the fact that they are worrisome when it comes to money because education and training, accessibility, availability of resources, personal supports, and material things require money and if they did not have enough then they would have to settle with not possessing them. Because of this lack of income they are already set back 50 meters in the race of life and according to Mullaly, they "will never catch up" (Mullaly, 2007, p. 98).
As I read the statements of the participants I find myself reflecting on what I have. Many of us, myself included, do not make use of of the things we know we’ll always possess, such as money, our jobs, and our independence. But how would you feel if you belonged to not only one minority but two? How would you feel if you were not just physically disabled but were Aboriginal as well?
“Being disabled is one thing, but being disabled and Indian is a whole other problem” (Durst, 2006, p. 4).
- Kristal
Durst, D. & South, S. & Bluechardt, M. (2006). Urban First Nations People with Disabilities Speak Out. Journal of Aboriginal Health, 3. Retrieved from http://naho.ca/jah/english/jah03_01/Article04.pdf
Canada, Census Canada, 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey: Disability and Housing (Ottawa, Ont.: Statistics Canada, 1994).
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Your post really got me thinking. I can honestly say I don't know how I would feel if I was physically disabled and Aboriginal! I have never thought about the two constructs being related and I think that the study you analyzed takes oppression to another level. I think that unfortunately individuals who fall under this category very much rely on the government and their family for daily functioning and you are so right when you say that independence is not an option.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, you illustrated a lot of interesting points. Good job!
Tara P.
I agree with Tara, your post really got me thinking as well about the materialistic things and that I often take advantage of the opportunities I have. Whether it be education or the things we need day to day. It would be such a struggle and frustrating to not beable to afford the "needs" in life. Money isn't everything but it definitely makes things extremely difficult when you aren't allowed to achieve quality of life. It reminds me of when Mullaly stated in his book that some people are already set back 50 metres in a race. Everyone has the opportunity there but who can actually accomplish such things as education when you're living at the poverty line, you can't even afford to feed yourself or keep a roof over your head. You have definitely made me think about the opportunities some people don't have especially with a disability and being Aboriginal makes it even harder.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
I wouldn't be able to imagine being in a minority group such as aboriginal AND having a physically disability as well. This is probably why many aboriginals feel very isolated from society as they are not treated equal to other people.
ReplyDeleteTo hear that 32% of Aboriginals are disabled is sad. In my opinion I feel like a lot of this has to do with the residential schools that were set up in Canada. As a result from that experience, many people came out of that with mental and physical disabilities. This continues down the family chain as the child of one of these affected people may grow up in a bad environment, having to deal with the pain that their parents have to deal with when they were in these schools.
I don't think many people put themselves in the shoes of an aboriginal with a disability. It is a good perspective to take as then they can see how hard it is to feel a part of society. Great post!
-Jessica VL
Your blog brings to light the issue of compounding risk factors and the effect that has on minority groups. It makes me wonder about the lack of access that Aboriginal people must face on reserves. When reserve bands are trying to address problems of clean drinking water, housing and tuberculosis I'm sure that wheel chair ramps and accesibility for disabled people falls low on such a list of priorities.
ReplyDeleteRachel Ryan-Dorn
Great post! I think Rachel raised a good point about reserves. Not only are Aboriginals living below the poverty line overrepresented in the city, but reserves have often been compared to the conditions of the Third World. So where do we begin to change this situation? Does it start with changing racist attitudes? The lack of access to resources? Or both?
ReplyDelete-Erin Roche
I also agree with the fact that since reserve bands are trying to address other important pressing matters, accessibility does fall behind on their list of priorities. And it's sad because they already have a lot to deal with, with not a lot of help from people and government, and they live in poverty. I think that it'll be difficult to change situations like these and if we wanted it to change, it would definitely progress slowly.
ReplyDelete- Kristal
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ReplyDeleteWow- I never thought Regina would have anywhere close to 32 percent of its Aboriginal population as disabled. I actually have not thought much about the unique challenges being disabled and Aboriginal would entail. I did work for a disability support company where virtually 100% of participants (users of the service) were white/Caucasian. Given that most disability day program services are free, or cheaper. I wonder if Aboriginals have access to these services given their often lower socioeconomic status which leads to exclusion?
ReplyDeleteDavid H.
I must have to say, your title caught my attention for the wrong reason. The term Indian refers to people from India, after reading the title I thought you might have used the term again, but you used the word aboriginal throughout your post. Your post was very informative. It made a very good point on being aboriginal is hard enough in this society but, to have a disablity, for me it would be to much to handle.
ReplyDeleteJordan