Future for the Disabled

I recall with ironic and embarrassed amusement the reactions of many people when handicapped parking places became the norm, ramps for wheelchairs were being built, and restrooms contained special stalls to accommodate the physically challenged. Some felt we were catering to the needs of a small minority and rebuilding society to accommodate the very few with disabilities. The move toward a lesser restrictive environment grew rapidly in the early 1970s with the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that helped fund accessibility requirements, and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that increased awareness and physical requirements, and prevented job discrimination based on disabilities. ADA has also contributed to building code accessibility by insisting on entrance ramps, wider doors, seating capacity, restroom needs, water fountains, and required elevators. In addition, we have all experienced the abundance of handicapped parking spaces (and perhaps emotion at those undeserving people who seem to take advantage of those spaces), intended to help disabled people have easier access to various facilities.

In some ways this has all been a drain on taxpayers, business owners, architects, and institutions. One could always attempt the old argument that the free market ought to determine the accommodations and needs of those who are disabled. Just as we tend to frequent the restaurant where we enjoy the food, price, and environment, so should a person with a disability frequent the places that provide the great accessibility for their needs, and that those businesses that recognize those needs, build accordingly, with the result being increased profit margins. But in fact, is that true?

Without legislation, would there exist handicap parking spaces or wider doors, or bathroom stalls with bars or elevators in every building? I seriously doubt it. The market, correctly, caters to the needs of the majority and is governed primarily through the resulting demands of the people by a process known as supply and demand. When there is a demand for particular goods, there is a supply developed to meet that demand, with an abundance of supply lowering the cost of the goods, and a limited supply causing greater demand and higher costs. But the question is: would the people demand accommodations for those with disabilities and only frequent those establishments providing easy access? Maybe, but it is questionable, especially considering the small number of people with this serviceable requirement.

So the government finds itself infringing on culture and society by seeking to legislate accessibility and services for those with disabilities. While it does not seem fair or right to force businesses and owners to provide easy access, and the cost can be astronomical, in the end, it gives people with disabilities freedom and rights to shop, work, and live in society that would otherwise be unavailable to them. This is an unusual and perhaps rare example of government intervention that demonstrates care, compassion, and positive results for those disabled people.

But what does the future hold for those with mental disabilities, those whose inherent aptitude is limited, those without the ability to hold down a steady job, those who cannot drive, or perhaps have trouble balancing a checkbook, or even difficulty communicating? Do we treat them as pariahs, blights on society, hopeless losers? In the not so far past, we would relegate them to prisons where many of them might get worse and never know a free environment. Maybe we should quickly send them to institutions so as to avoid thinking about them. Or do we instead, as a civilized society attempt to rise above the barbarisms of the past, provide options for them and find ways and means to integrate them into society whenever possible? In other words, can we provide the least restrictive environment possible? Is there a place in our world for someone with a mental disability?

As we slowly but surely become a more civilized world, we may find ourselves in a difficult, but morally responsible position to provide accommodations for the mentally handicapped as well as the physically handicapped. Obviously, every person is different and some require greater care than others, and it could be a long haul requiring many years of contention, questions, and doubt, but I believe we will one day embrace all disabilities as deserving of their rightful place among the citizenship of our world. Meanwhile, it becomes our responsibility and obligation for families to find ways to help their own, and to continue to refine civilization to include those with disabilities. We have come a long way in this regard, and I anticipate future growth in awareness and accommodations.