Expert views on how the disabled and elderly are treated in society
By Cheryl Swansong
For too long,
society allowed older adults and persons with disabilities to be defined by
what they could not do. But tireless advocacy from individuals and
organizations have empowered a new generation to celebrate the achievements and
capabilities of disabled individuals, rather than dwelling on their perceived
limitations.
There’s still a lot of work to be
done, but a look back to yesteryear shows how much progress we have made as a
society. It wasn’t too long ago that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had to
conceal his disability because the idea that the most powerful leader in the
world needed mobility assistance was
unthinkable.
This statue was added to Washington,
DC’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in January of 2001 after advocates
objected to a lack of depictions of Franklin with his disability.
Today, we are more likely to applaud
a person’s perseverance and will to achieve in spite of the obstacles, than we
are to consider a disability to be a sign of weakness. This steadfast resolve,
coupled with the wonders of modern technology, has allowed
millions of capable people to realize independence, self-sufficiency and
opportunity that may have been denied years prior.
Disabilities don’t
have to slow anyone down. Just ask Bethany Hamilton, the American pro
surfer who survived a tiger shark attack that resulted in the loss of her arm.
Her most recent victory took place at the Surf n Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro in
2014, in which she claimed 1st prize.
But have
technological advancements begun outpacing society’s perceptions and acceptance
of individuals who rely on tools like mobility assistance devices? Despite the
progress that has been made over the decades, what remains to be conquered?
How can we continue
to progress?
To help us answer
those questions, we’ve asked a group of experts in the field to share their
thoughts on this matter of critical importance to society.
These are
journalists, senior care experts and authors who are touched by disability on
daily basis. We’d like to thank our experts for sharing their thoughts, and we
are privileged to present their responses here.
Barbara McVicker,
award-winning author and national speaker
Barbara McVicker is an
eldercare expert, national speaker, author of three award winning books, and she recently
launched her PBS-TV special Stuck in the Middle: caring for Mom and Dad.
Barbara provides a lifeline for the Boomer Generation who are stuck in the
middle of kids, career, and taking care of aging parents. She has been featured
in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNN, NPR, FOX, NBC, and others.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of
mobility assistance technology?
I believe that
people who aren’t disabled are very fascinated by the high tech devices
available for mobility assistance. Whether you’re talking about people coming
back from wars, or those who have lost their mobility due to everything from
diabetes to stroke, etc. – I don’t think there’s prejudice today. In fact, I
think that people tend to stand back and watch because we’re fascinated that
someone who would ordinarily have no mobility can, with technology, do things
that some never thought they could do independently.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
I think it’s going to become more and
more extraordinary. We’re on the cusp of understanding so much more about how
our brains and muscles communicate with each other. And I think in the near
future, people who we would’ve dismissed as thinking they would be bed or
wheelchair bound are going to have limitless opportunities in new
technology. It’s an exciting time for people who have
limited mobility, and people are going to be able to live much more
easily on their own.
From my standpoint,
one of the biggest problems for elderly and disabled people is isolation.
Isolation not only takes quality of life, but it reduces its longevity. With my
field, it’s very apparent in the elderly; that if they become isolated, this is
what happens to them. All of this technology is going to make is so that these
people do not have to be isolated – it will improve their quality of life. I am
excited about these changes, and with how rapidly they’re going to be
implemented.
John Quinn, 20-year Navy
Veteran and disability advocate born with cerebral palsy
John W. Quinn was born in
Detroit, Michigan in April 1962 with cerebral palsy. One of eight children,
John also had a strong desire to serve his country. So, in spite of his partial
paralysis, two different sized feet, and the inability to walk prior to the age
of four, John joined the United States Navy in January 1982 specializing in
administration. He did it while keeping his condition a complete secret out of
a deep desire to wear the uniform of his nation. Throughout his distinguished
twenty-year career, he has sailed around the world on aircraft carriers,
battleships, destroyers, and is a plank owner (founding member) of SEAL Team
THREE. Senior Chief Quinn is the author of Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story
of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy. John makes his home in Tucson.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of
mobility assistance technology?
We have a society
which judges people very quickly. They see someone who stands different, walks
different; or has to use a power chair, a breathing device, or a roller,
whatever it might be. They automatically think that that person does not have
the ability or cannot do the job. And we need to move past that in our society.
We need to look past the disability to find ability.
I have several
friends that have disabilities which require mobility device. Just seeing them
come into a room, you can see the look on peoples’ faces when they come by.
It’s like a feeling of sympathy – my friends don’t ask for it, you know? They
don’t want sympathy. They want the opportunity to show what they can do. I don’t
experience this as much myself since my palsy is relatively mild, but when
people notice my mild limp, they come up and ask me, “What’s wrong with you?”
Well, nothing’s
wrong with me. I’m exactly how I was made. Nobody knew about my cerebral palsy
throughout my entire 20 year career. Nobody knew until my book came out. I
would have loved to have told the truth about my condition from the beginning.
It would have made my life and my military career much easier. Nobody should
ever have to keep that a secret in order to live a life that they want to.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
Advancements in
technology just give people a better opportunity to show off their talents, and
to show what they can do. It’s all about giving people the freedom to live the
life that they want for themselves. Whether you want independence, the ability
to work, and everything else to live a full, productive life. Technology will
play a great role in that moving forward.
I’m fortunate to
have a mild disability and not have to use assisted mobility. But I think it’s
sometimes an issue of pride to not use assisted mobility technology, where
somebody might not think they need assistance when it would make their lives
easier. Maybe breaking down that barrier and showing people what’s out there
would be a big benefit to society.
Kathy Birkett, Co-Founder
of Knowledge Connection, LLC and Operator/publisher of Senior Care Corner
Kathy is Senior Care Corner’s expert on the
lives and care of senior adults, expertise she has gained through over 25 years
working with seniors, families and other caregivers in both her professional
and personal lives. Kathy has worked with seniors in their homes as well as in
nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation and hospital
settings.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of mobility
assistance technology?
Our older adults
who have a disability and are dependent on assistive devices for their safe
mobility face the same barrier that younger disabled individuals do—access.
Despite governmental mandates of accessibility, many buildings, sidewalks,
events and transportation are not easily maneuvered by someone using an
assistive mobility device. This inability to get in and out of places where
they want to go will limit them from doing all the things they wish to do. This
will inevitably lead to a lack of independence.
We also see older
adults buying assistive devices intended to improve mobility from a variety of
places such as drugstores or mass retailers due to ease of purchase or
convenience which are not properly fitted for them. Using a device that is not
designed for their use can make them unsafe, just the opposite of what they
intended. Getting a device checked by a professional for proper settings and
fit is important no matter where they are purchased.
Another concern for
older people who use mobility devices can be getting into and out of a bathroom
quickly especially if they are alone. Older buildings are not designed for
wheelchairs or walkers even if retrofitted for accessibility due to doorway
widths and bumpy thresholds which can be hard to traverse. When an older person
is trying to navigate in and out of public areas with their mobility devices,
other people who are not as understanding as they could be can get angry
waiting for them to move faster. They don’t fully realize the difficulty of
using a device and can get frustrated with the older person.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
Medical advances
such as cataract surgery, hearing aid technology and joint replacement improvements
have helped many seniors stay independent for longer periods of time. Future
improvements in these areas can continue to improve a senior’s ability to age
in place.
Mobility devices
that are lighter, easier to manipulate in and out of buildings, use more
advanced materials that are comfortable and easier to carry with them when
traveling will help older adults stay connected in their communities.
Technology in the future may increase the potential to replace failed joints
with an even better option, robotics may change the face of mobility, and
smartphone apps could give more information about accessible friendly areas in
the community to make the outing easier for all involved.
Carol B. Bursack, author
and consultant on senior care
Over the span of two decades author,
columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six
elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a
portable support group – the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their
Personal Stories.” Her sites,www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs.com include
helpful resources as well as links to direct support. Bradley Bursack is a
newspaper columnist and an eldercare consultant who also writes on caregiving
and senior issues for several national websites.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of
mobility assistance technology?
What I witness the
most is that, particularly with elders and when someone is in a wheelchair,
people tend to yell as if they are hard of hearing.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
I'm not sure
anything but educating the public can help with this issue, however with the
rate technology is advancing, it's possible that some form of informing others
of the special needs that should be addressed with this particular person may
be of help.
Cathleen Carr, founder of
Certified Care and elder advocate
Cathleen V. Carr, JD, Msc.D, is the
founder and executive director of CertifiedCare. Dr. Carr, an ordained minister,
is a national leader in the fight against elder abuse and neglect and a
recognized Geriatric Care Specialist and lawyer in the areas of wills, trusts,
probate, elder law and elder caregiving. Her extensive background, with over 25
years of experience, covers many specialties including healthcare, law,
business and non-profit social action. Her personal background and professional
expertise helped to shape a certification program with the highest standards in
the elder caregiving field.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of
mobility assistance technology?
I have noticed
elderly and disabled individuals are perceived as being more in control of
their daily well-being; are treated with more dignity due to being less
dependent; are perceived as being more intelligent; and are regarded as being
more mainstream rather than marginalized.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
I foresee an
increase in positive and constructive ways, if technology is embraced and
adapted to by all concerned, meaning the general public as well as members of
the healthcare team. There is a danger, though, of the perceived need for less
human interaction and too much reliance on technology, and that is not
necessarily desirable, in general.
Carol Marak, author on
senior care
Carol Marak is a writer and content
broadcaster on senior care news. A dedicated senior care writer with an
intimate curiosity of what matters beyond adulthood, she does research to find
answers to tough concerns: housing, aging and health, staying safe and independent,
planning long-term, paying for care, connecting socially, and balancing worry
and love for family. Find Carol at AssistedlivingFacilities.org or CareBuzz.com.
How have you witnessed
elderly and disabled individuals treated differently due to their use of
mobility assistance technology?
This hits hard on
me. Individuals living with mobility issues, whether young or old, are treated
differently in my eyes. Seeing first-hand with my dad living with mobility
issues in older adulthood needing a walker and a wheelchair, he was pushed
aside. He felt it was a bother to some due to needing more attention and help
with opening doors, finding a placement (in wheelchair) at church and elsewhere
so that he didn’t disrupt the flow of pedestrian movement, and especially
difficult during shopping events or in restaurants.
There was an
attitude of dismissal from others, but that could’ve been my acute awareness to
protect my dad. He was much shorter in the wheelchair and difficult for some to
make eye contact or bend down and forward to acknowledge him.
How do you foresee
this changing with technological advancements in the field?
Technological
advancements are helping people run in the Olympics, so there’s clear hope that
older adults such as my dad will have access to devices that help them feel
normal again.
