"The new dumping ground"

For the past five months I have had the opportunity to volunteer at an institution that is catered for individuals with a developmental disability. The center is funded by the government and is well equipped with a variety of stimulating equipment, such as many treadmills in the gym room, a craft room, a wood workshop and a kitchen. I have learned that these exceptional individuals need such a stimulating environment to encourage further growth and help them reach their full potential.

In Rob Kitchin’s article (1998), "Out of place, knowing one's place: Space, power and the exclusion of disabled people", he states that "exclusionary practices such as inaccessible environments are unconsciously reproduced as something which is natural, which is commonsense" (p. 351). He goes on to say that the majority of the population is unaware of the practices of every day life that excludes people with some form of a disability. Initially I thought I knew a lot about people with a disability after my interaction with so many individuals at the center that I volunteer at. However, after reading an article from The Toronto Star entitled, ‘Nowhere else to go’ (www.thestar.com/Health/article/182336), I realized I was not aware of the extent of how people with a disability are marginalized.

To briefly summarize the article, one set of institutions for people with developmental disabilities are being closed down in Ontario. As a result, disabled adults are being moved into nursing homes. It was reported that people with developmental disabilities are on average 31 years younger than the general nursing home age. 1 691 developmentally disabled residents in nursing homes are physically healthier and more independent and therefore need more support and facilities than the nursing homes can provide. In the article, the nursing homes were referred to as "the new dumping ground". Another issue with these nursing homes is that these individuals are being moved from one place to another and are not being able to make friends and develop a sense a community.

After reading this article in the Toronto Star, Kitchin’s argument really came to life. By putting these individuals in nursing homes further emphasizes his point on how society marginalizes, excludes and segregates individuals with a disability.

Rebecca Philip