Humanities Homework Help

I’m working on a social science writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Answer ONE of the following two essay questions (only your first answer will be graded).

Question 1.

There has been an ongoing debate in the disability community on whether the “social” model or the “universal” model of disability is more accurate and useful in advancing the goals of people with disabilities.

a.Please define the different models of disability and how they compare to the “medical model”, and discuss the strengths and/or weaknesses of each one.

b.What are the implications of the social and universal models for political strategies to improve conditions for people with disabilities?

Question 2.

Richards v. Presto Taxi and Limousine Service

The Presto Taxi and Limousine Service is based in New Brunswick, NJ.  Malek Richards was hired as a driver by Presto in July, 2021.

On the day Richards was hired, Presto’s president, Mel Drummond, informed him that it was essential to “look and act professional” at all times while at work.  This included keeping his cab clean, being polite to passengers, and not eating while on duty.

Richards has Type 1 diabetes which is generally controlled by medication.  His condition requires him to eat small amounts of food throughout the day in order to regulate his blood sugar levels.  Richards did not disclose his condition when he was hired by Presto.

In September, 2021 Drummond discovered that Richards was eating food while transporting passengers.  He immediately called Richards into his office and demanded that he stop eating while on duty.  Richards then told Drummond that he had diabetes and explained that if he didn’t eat frequent snacks, he would rapidly become disoriented and could subsequently lapse into a diabetic coma.  At this point, Drummond became concerned about the safety of passengers as well as with maintaining professionalism among his drivers and terminated Richards.

Knowing you are taking a class on disability, Richards has come to you for advice.  Is Presto legally entitled to fire him?  Is the company required to make accommodations for him?  What issues need to be resolved?  What laws and cases are relevant?  What additional facts, if any, are needed to resolve Malek’s situation?

Define the concept of “intersectionality”, and how it relates to people with disabilities and strategies for political action.