From the eyes of a social worker, one of the easier ideologies to work with is the social democratic one as it tends to have a common goal. In this approach, the role of society plays a major role as “Social Democrats believe that the state should carry out public control of the major means of production to meet social needs rather individual profit” (Mullaly 2007, p.121). Their goal is to have a healthy community and to act on people's needs. For a person struggling with a physical disability this ideology is one that they can count on to get the help, and recognition that they need to carry out day to day activities.
In December 2009, NDP leader Jack Layton made a statement to the Conservative government to help persons with disabilities in Canada. In the article Jack Layton touched on the fact that it is unfair for people living with disabilities to have to work harder to meet society’s needs, “Too often, people with disabilities are expected to participate less and accept the barriers that exclude them from aspects of Canadian life. But in our country, it is simply unacceptable that we continue to allow some citizens to go without access to the support they need”. Today in Canada, it is reported that approximately 14.3% of people are dealing with a disability (CCD 2010).
As a follow up in April of this year, another article was posted that says the motion of creating a study/plan for people with disabilities from the NDP has gone through. Marie White (National Chairperson of The Council of Canadians with Disabilities) made a statement regarding the new motion, “Social policy remains homeless at the federal level. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) seeks new federal tax initiatives to address the disproportionate poverty experienced by Canadians with disabilities as well as actions to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities”. The CCD is doing their best to acknowledge the people in Canada about the struggles and outlooks people with disabilities deal with.
This is an extremely positive movement occurring for people with disabilities, one that I was really happy to read about. As a primary social democratic ideology view is equality of condition, their goal is to make sure all people’s needs in society are met. Many people dealing with a physical disability become frustrated and depressed with their inaccessibility around society. This is a problem that this ideology recognizes, as Mullaly (2007) states, “social democrats believe that a reduction in inequalities reduces feelings of isolation or alienation and creates a greater sense of belonging or social cohesion” (p.123). They do not believe in having a ruling class, they know that not every person have grown up in a successful life and they make it their duty to let every person have the same opportunity any other person would have.
The co-operation of government and people across Canada is greatly needed to make this study a success. The NDP is involving several national disability groups (trying not to exclude one specific group) and asking them to give their input on the study. For a social democratic it is very important to have people co-operating and working together for a greater goal in society. If there is a lack in participation for motions like this one, society won’t be able to accomplish its goal, and therefore not be able to move forward to the socialist society (Mullaly 2007, p.129).
This is good for social policy and welfare as now there is a program beginning to be created which is aiming to get rid of poverty among people dealing with disabilities of all types. As a big part of social welfare is to help people get jobs, and to begin to succeed in society, this study is a great way to make it easier for everyone.
As a common goal both social democratic and social work believe in are “equality, humanitarianism, and government intervention” (Mullaly 2007, p.135) this new project proposed by the NDP sheds light on all these views, making it a positive outlook for people dealing with disabilities.
-Jessica VL
References:
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Jack Layton NDP. Statement by New Democrat leader Jack Layton on International Day of Persons of Disabilities. Updated 3 Dec, 2009. 3 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ndp.ca/press/statement-by-new-democrat-leader-jack-layton-on-international-day-persons-with-disabilities>
Jack Layton NDP. New Democrats secure major disabilities study. Updated 22 Apr. 2010. 3 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ndp.ca/press/new-democrats-secure-major-disabilities-study>
Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Social Policy. Home Page. 3 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/socialpolicy/>
I am glad to see that the government is stepping in and finally helping disabled people to feel just as equal in society as everyone else. Just because they have a disability doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to live a "normal" life, like people without disabilities would be able to do. Each and every person is entitled to a life without discrimination and hate. It's a good thing that the government is finally starting to care enough.
ReplyDelete-Amanda P.
I'm glad that the NDP are proposing new projects to aid not just the physically disabled but persons with disabilities. It's about time the government not just promise to do this but to actually take action. This is a positive, up-lifting direction for those with disabilities. YAY!
ReplyDelete- Kristal
This is very encouraging! Now only if people with social democratic ideologies could get elected so these policies are more likely to be put in place.
ReplyDeleteIn one of your statistics about disability, I am actually surprised that it says there are only 14.3% of Canadians who are dealing with a disability; I thought it would be a lot higher. Good post!
-Avery F
In addition to Avery's comment, I was wondering how likely it be that employment opportunities are adopted by business owners. Because of the invaluable stigma attached to persons with physical disabilities I find it improbable that private business owners will jump at the opportunity to implement these policies. Jessica, could you explain the NDPs approach to getting businesses on board for more accessible employment opportunities for persons with physical disabilities?
ReplyDelete-Brooke D.