Different points of view

[Effie]

I have worked very closely with adults with learning difficulties over the period of three years, while living and working in the UK. I have had the opportunity to really get to know vulnerable adults with learning difficulties and learn their behaviour, attitudes, beliefs and mentality.Those adults really ARE like everyone else and the majority of the ones I worked with, are fully aware of their potential.

The citizens and local communities mostly welcome and praise the above, although there are still some people who are not so involved or actually bothered to care. The British government (as far as I know) has employed strategies and has put plans into action for the insurance of the best facilities possible for the comfort of people with learning difficulties when out in the community, making sure that most, if not all, places of leisure, local transports and recreational sites are equipped with accessible means for disable people giving them the opportunity and freedom to attend their places of choice. Moreover, the laws in place at the moment are very strict on disability abuse issues without of course meaning that people still don't do it.

Coming back to Greece, I was surprised to see that the general population here are mostly ignorant towards people with disabilities. There are aren't enough communities for those with special needs to develop in, not enough support from local communities and professionals and most will treat the disable as ill people who have nothing to do with them, reserving them looks of wonder and with that 'at least is not happening to our family so it's not our problem'  kind of look!! It is very sad to observe.

I was wondering whether the same happens to other countries too or whether the general view of disable people varies between cities and towns, cultures and even religions.What are your personal experiences with the issue? How are the disabled treated by the government and people in general in your country and culture?

Effie

[RobertH]

I had to take a bit to respond to this post.  It is, after all, a serious and important question.
In the US, there are laws in place that (in theory) proved help to people that are handicapped and learning disabled.  That being said, I have directly observed in several cities that I have lived and worked in, that many people still see a person with a handicap as somewhat less then a person that is not handicapped.  This is certainly not true of everyone, and it seems that in many places the majority of people are able to see *past* the handicap to the person.  So I think things are improving a bit, but still have a way to go there.
The learning disabled, however, seem to be the subject of many jokes here.  It is common to joke about people that "rode the short bus" or have to "wear a helmet."  from what I see personally, this is pretty widespread still.  In general, if a person is apposed to jokes like that, they work with or have some other close association with someone that is learning disabled.
(Of course, it's *entirely* possible that I'm wrong - this is only based on what I have observed, and I certainly don't have scientifically collected data. ~_^ )

[Igor]

Ah... the glory of atavistic responses, unmitigated by cultural influences.

Having an off reaction when presented with a disabled individual is nothing more or less than a direct translation of our mating instincts kickin in, and tagging said individual as undesirable. The rest is group mentality, and the fairly natural reaction to such a perfectly painted Z element.

When I say natural, in this case, I do not mean something that should happen, but rather something that's taken straight from our basic, animal responses. It's not enlightened, but I can understand a child pointing in disgust or deirsion at the disabled and handicapped. He is a child, he knows no better, and his parents really aren't going to try very hard to disabuse him of the notion.

What I do find offensive is the reaction that in my country is prevalent amongst the well meaning and well thinking classes (you know, the ones that will herald and precipitate armageddon) - that overdone reation of compassion and understanding driven by judgement rather than love. The high pitched voices and exaggerated tones, the gentle attitudes and patronizing comments that do not stem from an appreciation of the condition, but rather by a regard for people's reaction to their reaction. It's not natural, it's not well meaning, and it's completely devoid of anything resembling respect. I'd much rather have a child's scorn and derision.

[emma]

I believe cultural attitudes play a huge role in the subject of treatment of individuals with disabilities. Ancient Greece had two conflicting views; one, that individuals with disabilities should be 'got rid of' (Apollon) and two, that individuals with disabilities have an 'imbalance in their somatic liquid' and therefore medical support should be available (Hypocrates), hence the Hypocratic Oath, and he made pensions available to individuals with disabilites in Athens at that time. In addition, we have probably all heard of the cruel plights of the ancient Spartans.

Furthermore, Britain treated individuals with disabilities inhumanely up to the mid 60s until reports exposing  conditions in longstay hospitals were made public. This led to the onset of 'care in the community' which the British have been endeavouring to support since then. Unfortunately, the exposure in Greece of the Leros asylums in the 80s did not produce the same results.

Much has to do with how governments respond to such shame and how well awareness is implemented. Greeks have a conscience but do little to act. Community care in Greece is more or less a token response to the need for rehabilitation and 'normalisation'. That is, it exists but is not supported well enough to have fruitful consequnces for individuals with disabilities.

[Alan]

I believe cultural attitudes play a huge role in the subject of treatment of individuals with disabilities. Ancient Greece had two conflicting views; one, that individuals with disabilities should be 'got rid of' (Apollon) and two, that individuals with disabilities have an 'imbalance in their somatic liquid' and therefore medical support should be available (Hypocrates), hence the Hypocratic Oath, and he made pensions available to individuals with disabilites in Athens at that time. In addition, we have probably all heard of the cruel plights of the ancient Spartans.

Furthermore, Britain treated individuals with disabilities inhumanely up to the mid 60s until reports exposing  conditions in longstay hospitals were made public. This led to the onset of 'care in the community' which the British have been endeavouring to support since then. Unfortunately, the exposure in Greece of the Leros asylums in the 80s did not produce the same results.

Much has to do with how governments respond to such shame and how well awareness is implemented. Greeks have a conscience but do little to act. Community care in Greece is more or less a token response to the need for rehabilitation and 'normalisation'. That is, it exists but is not supported well enough to have fruitful consequnces for individuals with disabilities.

yawn... that sounded like one of my lecturers at school... do you actually have an opinion?

[emma]

Quote Alan- you're right it does sound a bit like a lecture. Forgive me. I doubt though the subject is taught at schools.
My opinion is equal opportunities and choice for individuals with disabilities.