I have problems with all political parties regarding this. I do not have a clear understanding on what Libertarians' views on this. We have come a long way since the Disability rights movement started in the 1970s which were led by individuals with disabilities. Political views on disability is still relatively new in terms of understanding of disability and how can the government can help provide the quality of life for disabled people. "Disabled' is an identity that one is not necessarily born with, as disabilities are more often acquired in later life.
Persons are only "handicapped" if things are not available to help them overcome the limitations of their disabilities: aging, glasses, hearing aids, wheel chairs, ramps, elevators, large print bulletins, sign interpreters, TDD telephones, and special teaching techniques for persons with learning disabilities. The people through the government have the responsibilities of providing services and equipment for people with disabilities.
Currently, the federal government as well as each state governments have alot of work to do in terms of helping people with disabilities. Many people with disabilties often face the difficulties that eligibility requirement for programs like Medicaid and Social Security which require restricted incomes and/or limited assets present for people with disabilities who want to work. The government is hindering their hope for independence when they think by not helping them will gain them independence. That logic is false because, now that they are not working and they have to depend on the government to provide what they need.
Also, over the years, federal and state governments have been changing the definitions of disability, of which were intended to reduce access to state systems of support. People who are aging are now facing this when they were not when they were younger and healhier. People who are blind, deaf, use wheelchairs, have chronic pain, learn at a slower pace than other people, and so on have vastly different experiences and perspectives. Disability is not a characteristic that exists in the person so defined, but a construct that finds its meaning in social and cultural context. The governments are to start involving people with disability can provide important insights of why traditional philosophical discussions concerns of disabilities are not working.
I am legally deaf and was involved in deaf ministries over the years. Not many local churches offer programs for deaf or any other disabilities. Many churches often treats disabilities, especially with the deaf community as 2nd or 3rd class citizens. When truth speaks, there is not burdens but rather "The truth shall make you free"; that is, free from the woes, the yokes, the burdens. The burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) which never harmed a soul. Another area of burden is the moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5) which is a source of comfort if our hearts are right. The only way the spiritual gifts are going to operate is love. Love is the key. God is love. He gave us two commandments. We are to love God and others. With the Holy Spirit and love, I will walk in the Spirit, Christ produces the fruit. It is Christ through the Holy Spirit produces power, love, a sound mind through us. Christ helps us. Without Christ, we are nothing.
I believe as Christians that the church must remove physical, emotional and spiritual barriers in order to bring in people who are suffering with disabilities. I believe that when those who are suffering are utilized in outreach of the Kingdom, the fullness of the Bride of Christ (Church) only then reflects the glory of the Bridegroom (God). I believe that the church are commanded by God through Scriptures to train and equip people with disabilities in order to help them exercise their Godgiven gifts in building the Body of Christ. God is NOT limited to goodness.
We live in a world which places great emphasis on beauty, wealth and power. People with disabilities are often a symbol of the opposite – they struggle with physical or mental imperfection, powerlessness and often poverty. This only adds to the stigma which isolates them, separating them from the mainstream of life. Discrimination is a problem faced by disabled people and their families around the world. However, James 2:1-4, 9 reminds Christians “...don't show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?... But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
A disabled Christian believer can enrich in a Christian community, Christians with disabilities – especially those in positions of leadership can serve as God's best examples of His power being made perfect in weakness. The Bible also teaches us to bear the burdens of someone with a disability fulfils a command of scripture (Galatians 6:2). 2 Samuel 9:3-4 tells the story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, modeling the way the church should minister. God has given us the grace to sanctify us. The sources of "thorns" can be weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties (which also includes sickness). Paul just needed to focus on God rather than the problem. God uses thorns (sufferings) to perfect His "power is perfected in weakness".
Trials including disabilities teaches us that the greatest good of the Christian life is not absence of pain, but Christ-likeness and to do His will. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29). Trials including disabilities teaches us that God is more concerned with the character He is building in us, He comforts us in His arms through His power of Grace on the journey to His destiny for us as Paul explains: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
List of disability rights organizations
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