Disability Studies 1010A/B Study Guide - Final Guide: Pessimism
24 Jun 2020
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Document Summary
Optimism is seen in the explosion of adapted/inclusive sport. Pessimism is seen in that not all disabilities are equally/fairly represented. Attempts to group similarly limited athletes together to ensure fairness, regardless of diagnosis. One one end of the spectrum, succumbing to disability is pitiful. On the other end rising above disability makes you heroic. It is largely rooted in pity and paternalism. Furthermore, it places enormous pressure on the disabled person to perform. Furthermore, it promotes the commodification of disabled lives. Finally, it is the ultimate form of supremacy of the medical model. There were growing demands for professionalism towards the organization, and official management of international sports for the disabled - which led to the annual stoke mandeville. An example of the disability agenda making an impact was in greece, who developed an accessible sports infrastructure for athletes with disabilities that could be used - yet the wider environment posed challenges.
