Physically handicapped have to suffer under many problems in daily life. Although there are various programs to integrate disabled people into society, they still don’t face equal opportunities. This sub-culture analysis essay will deal with disability in general and compare the situation of handicapped people in America to those in Germany.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Facts and Statistics
Kind of disability
3. Federal civil rights laws ensuring equal opportunity for people with disabilities
3.1 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
4. Facts and Statistics (Germany)
Severely disabled people in Germany at the end of the years 1997, 1999, 2001
5. Conditions Germany – USA
6. Summary / Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines the living conditions and societal integration of individuals with physical disabilities, primarily focusing on a comparative analysis of the situation in the United States and Germany.
- Analysis of statistical data regarding disability populations in the USA and Germany.
- Evaluation of federal civil rights legislation, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Comparison of accessibility and social inclusion in public infrastructure between the two nations.
- Discussion of socioeconomic factors, such as employment rates and social status, linked to disability.
- Identification of remaining barriers and the necessity for increased societal awareness.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Federal civil rights laws ensuring equal opportunity for people with disabilities
In the USA, there are a number of federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities. These are - just to name some of them - the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), the Fair Housing Act (1988), the Individuals with Disabilities Eduacation Act (1997), the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (1984) and the Architectural Barriers Act (1968)
All these laws require equal opportunities and treatment for handicapped people, trying to create a basis for better life. They demand for example equal opportunities in housing transactions and public transportation or specific architectural standards making facilities accessible. One of the most important ones is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which exists since 1990
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the persistence of inequality for disabled individuals and sets the scope for a comparative study between the USA and Germany.
2. Facts and Statistics: This chapter reviews data on the prevalence of disabilities in the USA, noting the challenges in defining disability categories and demographic trends.
Kind of disability: This subsection provides a breakdown of different disability types, including physical and mental impairments.
3. Federal civil rights laws ensuring equal opportunity for people with disabilities: This section provides an overview of American legislation designed to prevent discrimination in housing, transportation, and public life.
3.1 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This subsection details the specific scope of the ADA, defining what constitutes a disability under federal law and the protections afforded to individuals.
4. Facts and Statistics (Germany): This chapter presents data regarding the disabled population in Germany, including age distribution and causes of disability.
Severely disabled people in Germany at the end of the years 1997, 1999, 2001: This subsection provides a longitudinal view of German statistical data on severe disabilities.
5. Conditions Germany – USA: This chapter contrasts the implementation of accessibility laws in both countries, highlighting gaps between legal provisions and reality.
6. Summary / Conclusion: The final chapter reflects on the progress made in integrating disabled individuals into society while acknowledging the ongoing need to combat prejudices.
Keywords
Disability, Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, Gleichstellungsgesetz, Civil Rights, Physical Impairment, Social Integration, Accessibility, Statistics, Discrimination, Public Policy, Germany, USA, Equal Opportunity, Socioeconomic Status
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities and analyzes the effectiveness of legislative efforts to integrate them into society in the USA and Germany.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The study covers statistical demographics, federal civil rights legislation, social accessibility, and the link between disability and socioeconomic status.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objective is to compare the living conditions of disabled people in the United States and Germany to determine which country has made more progress in providing equal opportunities.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The author uses a sub-culture analysis approach, relying on existing statistical data and a comparative review of civil rights laws and social conditions.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines statistical data for both nations, details the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discusses the German "Gleichstellungsgesetz," and evaluates public accessibility.
What key terms characterize the work?
Key terms include accessibility, civil rights, disability statistics, integration, and anti-discrimination legislation.
How does the ADA define an individual with a disability?
The ADA defines it as a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or one who has a record or is perceived as having such an impairment.
Why is the "Gleichstellungsgesetz" considered less effective in practice than US laws?
The author suggests that because the German law was passed much later (2002), the US has had more time to implement the necessary structural and access-related modifications.
What does the statistical data reveal about the relationship between age and disability?
The data indicates that the likelihood of having a disability increases significantly with age in both the USA and Germany.
- Quote paper
- Thu-Mai Do-Thanh (Author), 2004, Physically Handicapped in America, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/64561
