WEL203A: Chronic Illness and Disability

Posted: May 5th, 2020

WEL203A: Chronic Illness and Disability – Essay Writing
2–3 minutes
Assignment Task

Assessment brief summary:

Students are to construct critical reviews of four readings relating to the first five weekly topics of this subject. All readings will be available at the beginning of Week 1 in the Week 1 resources folder.

Assessment Description:

Students are to create critical reviews of four readings relating to the first five weekly topics of this subject. The readings are available at the bottom of the page in Week 1 in the Week 1 resources folder. Please provide a brief introduction and conclusion to the assessment. Students are required to summarise the key arguments presented in each reading and discuss in detail one contentious issue explored in each of the readings. This critical review should include at least ten fully referenced high-quality readings.

This WEL203A–Arts and Humanities Assignment

The assessment requires students to critically review four readings related to the first five weekly topics of the subject WEL203A – Chronic Illness and Disability. The readings will be provided at the beginning of Week 1 in the Week 1 resources folder. The review should include a brief introduction and conclusion, summarising the key arguments presented in each reading, and discussing one contentious issue explored in each reading. The review should be well-referenced with at least ten high-quality sources. The assessment falls under the Arts and Humanities category.

Chronic Illness and Disability
Chronic illness and disability are two interrelated concepts that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Chronic illness refers to a long-lasting medical condition that may be incurable or require ongoing medical care. On the other hand, disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. While the two concepts are distinct, chronic illness can lead to disability, and disability can result from chronic illness. Therefore, understanding the complexities of chronic illness and disability is crucial for health professionals, caregivers, and policymakers.

The critical reviews of the four readings related to the first five weekly topics of WEL203A provide insights into the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illness and disability. The readings focus on topics such as the social model of disability, the impact of chronic illness on employment, the intersectionality of disability and race, and the challenges of providing care for people with chronic illnesses.

One of the contentious issues explored in the readings is the social model of disability. According to this model, disability is not an individual health problem but a result of the barriers created by society. The model argues that disability is caused by the physical, attitudinal, and institutional barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society. This model challenges the medical model of disability that views disability as a medical problem that needs to be cured or fixed.

The readings also highlight the challenges faced by people with chronic illnesses in the workplace. The impact of chronic illness on employment can be significant, leading to reduced productivity, missed workdays, and sometimes job loss. Individuals with chronic illnesses may require workplace accommodations such as flexible schedules, job reassignments, or medical leave. However, employers may be unwilling or unable to provide these accommodations, leading to further discrimination and marginalization of individuals with chronic illnesses.

Another contentious issue explored in the readings is the intersectionality of disability and race. The readings highlight how people with disabilities from marginalized racial and ethnic groups may face multiple forms of discrimination, such as racism and ableism. The intersectionality of disability and race may lead to disparities in access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Finally, the readings emphasise the challenges faced by caregivers providing care for people with chronic illnesses. Caregivers may experience emotional and physical burnout, financial strain, and a reduced quality of life. The readings highlight the need for adequate support and resources for caregivers, including respite care, emotional support, and financial assistance.

In conclusion, the critical reviews of the four readings related to the first five weekly topics of WEL203A provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illness and disability. The readings highlight the need for a social model of disability that recognises the impact of societal barriers on the lives of people with disabilities. The readings also emphasise the importance of providing workplace accommodations, addressing intersectional discrimination, and providing support for caregivers. Overall, the readings demonstrate the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to chronic illness and disability that considers the complex interactions between individual health, social structures, and societal values.