Providing Assistance And Societal Biases: Recognizing And Overcoming Power Dynamics

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A prevalent concept of escorting companies, particularly in the context of escorting individuals with disabilities, has been a persistent practice in various settings including offices, universities, and public spaces.



On the one hand, this practice has also been subjected to opposition, with many asserting that it empowers and reinforces power dynamics that are rooted in societal biases.



On one hand, the idea behind escorting someone with a disability is to provide support. In contrast, this 'act of kindness' can also be perceived as a care-giving move that reduces the independence and agency of the individual being aided.



By offering support someone, we are essentially removing them of their self-determination and critical thinking abilities, implying that they are unsuitable of operating the world on their own.



Such power dynamic is rooted in societal biases, with the supporter holding a superior level of authority and control over the individual being supported.



This is a reflection of the societal values that prioritize self-sufficiency and self-reliance, assuming that people with health conditions are inherently vulnerable and sensitive.



As notion is not only limiting but also oppressive, as it denies people with impairments the opportunity to participate fully in their societies and self-advocate.



Furthermore, providing assistance can also be perceived as a kind of institutional gatekeeping, blocking individuals with impairments from participating in certain locations or services that are viewed as too risky for them.



By categorizing someone as unable to manage certain spaces, we are fundamentally explaining for them what they can and cannot do, curtailing their choices and self-reliance.



Recognizing and overcoming such power dynamics requires a shift in perspective. We need to change from a paternalistic mindset and embracing a more enabling method that values the autonomy and self-advocacy of individuals with health conditions.



Such means engaging people with impairments in the problem-solving process and seeking their ideas and consensus. It also means respecting their capacity for self-advocacy and autonomy.



In the end, our target should be to create a expanded open and accessible environment, where people with impairments have the equal choices and options as anyone else.



This requires a fundamental transformation of our cultural norms and attitudes, migrating towards a culture of care-giving and towards one that prioritizes and encourages independence, decision-making capacity, and fairness.