Scandinavian countries have a long historical background of creating just and fair laws that allowed the free expression of all inclusive of the small section of the population that had disabilities. In the seventeenth century, disability was not well received amongst the society as persons with disabilities faced prejudice and judgment (Sayers, 2017). Some societies associated disability with ominous events as family members neglected individuals born with disabilities out of shame. However, Scandinavian countries in the present day aspire to be an emulated figure on the equitable treatment of persons with disabilities. The United States of America, on the other hand, is justifiably one of the countries that had a positive reception of special needs rights in the 1800s. Amidst its imperfections, the United States of America has expressed the intention of treating all individuals fairly (Aas & Tornsen, 2016). While it is noticeable that both the Nordic nations and the United States of America have made significant progress in their approaches in special needs rights, both groups of countries have varying perceptions of human rights, gender, and equality.
Human rights like charity begin at home. Nordic countries currently strive to portray an image that matches the international status required of all developed countries on matters concerning special needs rights. The citizen’s rights and social freedom is a core function of any government (Helgeland, 1992). The persons living with disabilities are one of the most forgotten essential segments of the population. In Scandinavian countries, the aspect of disability was not given an equal reception as in its counterpart the United States of America. Disability was viewed as a difference calamity that alienated other citizens from the rest of the country (Aas, & Tornsen, 2016). Disabled people were compelled to fewer working opportunities and limited educational resources. Traditional Scandinavians beliefs imposed an unjust pressure on persons with disabilities condemning them to exist with fewer economic, political, and social opportunities.
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However, the situation was different in the United States as one of the country’s main agenda was attaining an equal and nurturing environment for all its citizens. Given its diversity, America had a developed education system that catered for both persons with and without disabilities (Sayers, 2017). Additionally, the laws of the country had continuously been changed to more accommodative ones as activists propagated for equality. Persons with disabilities were provided with opportunities in the corporate world and education sector as prove to be just as efficient on a daily basis. America is one of the largest countries with numerous cultures within it and thus maintained a more open-minded approach on the issue compared to the Nordic nations (Bennet, Dworet, & Zahos, 2008). Nonetheless, comprehending the relevance of maintaining an equitable social environment has caused America to embrace disability and implement policies that would ensure justice and fairness is upheld to all members of the society regardless of their status.
In the 1800s, the society was less aware of the great purpose of a potentially enabling, equitable, and thriving society. The initial estimated number of cases of disabilities in America was 40 million although the number has drastically increased over the years (Sayers, 2017). Disability involves both physical and mental constraints. Despite its shortcomings, America had policies that ensured that the individual with a disability received a quality education, medical coverage, and equal economic opportunities (Aas & Tornsen, 2016). The federal government has made a myriad of initiatives to rehabilitate stringent presumptions upheld by the society on disability and how to effectively treat persons with disabilities. Modern day America has seen the formation and registration of agencies such as the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDR) amongst many others which have all been adamant to cater for the needs of the citizens living with disabilities (Sayers, 2017). Therefore, the United States of America is one of the most friendly countries with laws that promote equal treatment of people with disabilities from its pre-historic days.
Tornsen (2016) is convenient for producing information that is relevant to the field of study. The authors elaborate on the particular types of disabilities. The source delves deeper into the reaction of the society and the various receptions given to specific aspects of disabilities. However, the article fails to fully address the extent of acceptability of the society and choices made on the presence of disability amongst the society. The authors also failed to explain the implications of a rigid society on disability and the general human perception. The Scandinavian countries as portrayed by Helgeland (1992 ) as nations defined by old traditions whereby disability was still a different subject that was far from being fully accepted by the society. The article was clear on its description of disability and provided sufficient and compelling evidence on the relative topic.
In conclusion, the different types of disabilities are handled differently by members of different countries. The Scandinavian nations, for one, are one of the countries that did not fully embrace the presence of disability amongst it in the early and late eighteenth century. Disability was viewed as a curse as individuals living with the condition were neglected by members of the society. However, as the days progressed and years of civilization passed these countries have become one of the most conducive for promoting equality amongst all members of the society. The United States of America, on the other hand, has always upheld a more welcoming approach given its exposure to a more diverse population. The country has witnessed the development of agencies that have mandated to ensure that equitability and justice are maintained especially to citizens living with disabilities. Although Scandinavian nations and the United States have made specific changes to their policies to be able to accommodate persons with disability comfortably, it is critical to acknowledge the far they have come.
References
Aas, M., & Törnsén, M. (2016). Nordic Studies in Education - Special issue: Educational Leadership in Nordic countries. Nordic Studies in Education , 35 (02), 81-85. doi:10.18261/issn.1891-5949-2016-02-01
Bennett, S., Dworet, D., & Zahos, M. (2008). 11. Special Education Rights: Services for Children with Special Needs in Ontario Schools. Children's Rights . doi:10.3138/9781442687615-014
Helgeland, I. (1992). Country Briefing Special Education in Norway. European Journal of Special Needs Education , 7 (2), 169-183. doi:10.1080/0885625920070207
Sayers, D. (2017). Rights Not Needs: Changing the Legal Model for Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Palgrave Handbook of Disabled Children’s Childhood Studies , 617-642. doi:10.1057/978-1-137-54446-9_37
