1 (a)Discussion: Food Stamps

The U.S. food stamp program—today known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—was developed during the presidencies of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Its purpose is to increase the food budgets of low-income individuals and families, resulting in better nutrition.

Imagine you are working with a client who wishes to receive SNAP benefits. How would you help him or her navigate the eligibility requirements? What could be a barrier to your client gaining these benefits? For this Discussion, you explore SNAP in greater detail and determine what you might change to facilitate a better client experience.

To Prepare: Choose a state other than the one you live in. Access the websites in the Learning Resources to conduct your research on SNAP eligibility for that state.

Post a response to the following:

• Explain the eligibility for receiving food stamps in your chosen state.
• Identify a population that would be eligible to receive food stamps.
• Identify two challenges this state policy presents for this population.

• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the eligibility policies in your chosen state.
• Recommend and defend one state policy change that would benefit the population you identified.

1 (b)Discussion: Perspectives on Disabilities

“Crippled, helpless, useless, wrecked, stalled, maimed, wounded, lame.” In the video, Aimee Mullins: The Opportunity of Adversity, advocate Aimee Mullins quotes these synonyms for “disabled” from the 1982 Webster’s New World Thesaurus. What image do these words conjure for you? What do these words say about public thinking on people with disabilities? Does that thinking remain today?

In this Discussion, you trace the treatment of individuals with disabilities from the 19th century to the enactment of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and beyond. You also consider whether the 19th century public mindset on disabilities has evolved in any way.

To Prepare: Watch the Aimee Mullins video listed in the Learning Resources. Refer to Chapters 6 and 7 of the course text to remind yourself of 19th-century perspectives on disabilities.

Post a response to the following:

• Identify at least one way individuals living with a disability were treated in the 19th century.
• Identify and explain two principles of the ADA.
• Explain two ways in which these principles of the ADA address the 19th-century perspectives on individuals living with a disability.
  Or
• Explain two ways in which historic perspectives on individuals living with a disability persist despite the ADA.