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The Oppression Of The Disabled And The Social Injustices Essay

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Ableism Introduction Many groups of people experience disenfranchisement. This paper will seek to review people experiencing disenfranchisement related to ableism in its various forms. The oppression of the disabled and the social injustices they bear will be considered, as well as the myths and stereotypes associated to the disabled. The author will seek to gain knowledge and understanding of this group of people and their functioning within our society. Demographics Ableism is defined as a social condition that assumes all people are able-bodied. The theory argues that we all exist in a society that was created by and for people who are able-bodied. This applies not only to physical and architectural space, but to social and educational environments as well (Anderson, 2001). Seven years ago, it was estimated that that there are more than 50 million people in the world identified as being disabled (Thompson, 2009). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines disabled as "(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities; (B) a record of such impairment; or (C) is regarded as having such an impairment (Kaminer, p.209)." Disabled people are found in all communities. Ableism has no boundaries of class, race or gender; anyone can be disabled. Some people are born disabled while others fall ill, mentally and physically. Others suffer debilitating injuries that have life altering impact. Some examples of disabled people are

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