By: Aniysha Phillips

 

 

Independence as a disabled person has always been a difficult venture. Getting support like mobility aids and modifying their home to fit specific needs can be very expensive.  Those with intellectual disabilities, it is difficult for them to have autonomy in their lives. Automatically they are not seen as human beings capable of making their own decisions. Those who are non-verbal are often seen as babies. When non-verbal people don’t have a communication aid and no one makes an effort to understand them, they get little to no say in their own life. 

When it comes to a disabled person’s autonomy most of their decisions are made by doctors and caretakers. Particularly the caretakers are seen over the actual person. When parents and caretakers are prioritized over disabled people many of the needs for their own autonomy will  be overlooked.  

A huge factor in disabled people being able to live independently is technology and accessibility tools. As technology has advanced over the years so have accessibility  devices and tools. Things like sensors, adapted tools, and electronic mobility aids help with day-to-day life. Unfortunately, advanced technologies that can make a lot of people’s lives easier can be very expensive. For those who have additional needs there will always be additional costs . Even installing a ramp for your house can cost hundreds of dollars. Accessible technology has become a luxury. Only those wealthy enough to afford them are able to live independent lives.   

Not only is  accessibility  in the home important for people with disabilities to be independent, but it is also important for the world to be accessible. Disabled people want the opportunity to navigate the world on their own like anyone else. Access to accessible public transportation alone would  make a huge difference. Infrastructure in general needs to be more accessible so it’s  easier for disabled people to get around on their own. The freedom to navigate the world with no assistance is liberating for a lot of people.  

Marriage is another factor in this. When a disabled person gets married, they lose 25% of their disability benefits. The idea is that when they’re married, they will have enough income from their spouse  to support themselves. In reality, it doesn’t work out like that for most people. People that rely on disability benefits aren’t able to afford medications and other things needed for them to survive. It’s even more devastating for people who can’t work due to their disability. For this reason, marriage can’t even be an option for a lot of people.  

Disabled people have a right to autonomy  like anyone else. Society’s mind set on disability and the way it is built is debilitating to the independence of disabled people. The systems established  only have able bodied people in mind. To make any progress in autonomy and independence for people with disabilities we need to consider them as a part of society, and enforce their right to a good quality of life like anyone else. 

References:

https://www.itpro.com/hardware/why-is-accessible-tech-still-so-expensive

https://publications.ici.umn.edu/impact/23-2/people-with-disabilities-and-the-federal-marriage-penalties#:~:text=It%20provides%20cash%20to%20meet,they%20did%20as%20two%20individuals.

https://www.kencrest.org/blog-what-is-independence/#:~:text=For%20people%20with%20intellectual%20and,or%20making%20decisions%20for%20them.