Question

Can someone please help me with these questions, ASAP? It is for a Social Work class. Both answers have to be 2 paragraphs long, Thank You!

Physical, Cognitive, and Developmental Challenges


1. The deaf and hard of hearing community has a lot of pride and is very strengths-focused. There is considerable controversy within the community about the use of cochlear implants, which enable some people who are deaf or hard of hearing to be able to hear for the first time (or to hear again after hearing loss has set in). Some videos online show people crying after getting a cochlear implant and being able to hear their loved ones speak for the first time. Some in the deaf/hard of hearing community have claimed these videos send the wrong message. Why do you think some feel that way? How does this impact the way you think about deaf/hard of hearing people?

2. There is a concept called the "spread of disability" (or the "global disability myth") that refers to the fact that people with an observable disability are often treated as if they have multiple disabilities. For instance, people who are blind report that people often speak to them in elevated voices as if they are also hard of hearing or people in wheelchairs say others speak more slowly to them as if they also have an intellectual disability. What impact do you think this has on the self-concept of people with disabilities? What does it say about the way society sees people with disabilities?

Answer 1

The controversy surrounding the use of cochlear implants in the deaf and hard of hearing community stems from the belief that deaf culture is a unique and valuable cultural community that should be celebrated and respected. Some members of the deaf community view cochlear implants as an attempt to "fix" or "cure" deafness, which they see as a natural and integral part of their identity. They feel that the widespread promotion of cochlear implants sends the message that being deaf is a problem that needs to be fixed, which can be hurtful to members of the deaf community who are proud of their deaf identity.
The spread of disability can have a negative impact on the self-concept of people with disabilities because it reinforces the idea that people with disabilities are limited in their abilities and have multiple challenges. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a reduced sense of self-worth. It also sends a message to society that people with disabilities are not capable of achieving their full potential and are only defined by their disabilities. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and reinforces the notion that people with disabilities are inferior to those without disabilities