The BBC reports that the forthcoming Beijing Paralympics might contribute to more enlightened attitudes about disability amongst the Chinese. The article emphasizes that Chinese with disabilities still face long odds of achieving any meaningful integration with mainstream society, but there are at least a few emerging social programs that offer job training. It’s not much, but it’s an improvement.
The Paralympics may change some attitudes, but it’s really the forces of globalization that will usher in a different perspective on disability. As more Chinese with disabilities become aware that their Western counterparts have more opportunities to work and live independently, they may put growing pressure on their own government to do more. And if living standards continue to improve, the government–and society as a whole–may be more inclined to oblige. Of course, the West has a long ways to go to achieve full integration and acceptance of people with disabilities, but it’s probably fair to say we’re a few steps further down the road.
one of the best shot putters in the world is going to be competing he is from here I have met him several times I can not wait to see how he does! It would be nice if the world would make life easier for people with disabilities it makes me mad when I see someone in a wheel chair have to go 40 miles around because they neglected to put a darn opening in the side walk or a ramp near the stairs … if only… designers spent a day in a chair how they design things sure woudl change…
sliding the soap box back under the bed… hope you have a great day!