Working Together to Raise Awareness of Disability & Equality for Level 1 Occupational Therapy Students Sue Rickell & Fiona Douglas 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 1

Disability Equality UWE Occupational Therapy Course March 2012 Sue Rickell Allies in Change UK Ltd 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 2

What is Disability Equality Makes Disability an Equal Opportunities issue Is built on the Social Model of Disability - the focus is on organisations looking at how they function, rather than how Disabled People function. Attention is put on removing barriers to participation for Disabled People. Disabled People are seen as active members of society who expect and are expected to contribute their particular skills and gifts. Recognises that societal barriers prevent inclusion not impairments. 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 3

Disabled People have a right to be…. Included Valued Independent In Control of their Lives 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 4

05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 5 Disability The loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the mainstream of the community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers. “Disabled People in Britain and Discrimination. A case for Anti-Discrimination Legislation” - C. Barnes Impairment An impairment is the functional limitation within the individual caused by physical, mental or sensory factors. Disabling Laws Enabling Acts, Disability Rights in Britain and America. C. Gooding Social Model Definition of Disability

Diversity Iceberg 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 6 Actions Behaviour 70% of what we think is sub-conscious environment experience Discrimination Prejudice Stereotypes Assumptions Beliefs Attitudes Values Scope Training 2007

05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 7 Do you label? Wheelchair-bound The disabled Children with disabilities A victim of Able-bodied An epileptic Handicapped Healthy, normal Brave Sufferer or afflicted by Mental handicap Special Needs The SEN children On the Autistic Spectrum, is a CP

Do you empower ? Disabled People People with Learning Difficulties Children with Special Educational Needs Deaf people Blind people Physical impairment A person who has epilepsy Non- Disabled Accessible toilet Accessible parking space Visually impaired Wheelchair user 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 8

THE MEDICAL MODEL – the person is the problem 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 9 “You can’t walk properly….” “You should not have relationships “You can’t hold Down a proper Job…..” “You can’t play Sport.” “You cannot do up your Shoes” “You need Therapy, Carers” “ You are ill / sick” “ You do not need an education..” “You’ll never learn to drive.”

The focus is on the person and their “problem or condition” They are expected to “adjust” to their condition or impairment and lack of ability They have no individual identity and are often identified by impairment or lack of ability They are overwhelmed by negative attitudes of others who “care” for them and control their lives Other people decide what they will do and be 05/06/2016Allies in Change UK Ltd 10

The Social Model - Society is the problem 05/06/2016 Materials prepared by Allies in Change UK Ltd11 No jobs – Poverty and economic dependency Passivity and Dependency Prejudice and discrimination Isolation Segregation No Rights No choice – No control Inaccessible transport Inaccessible buildings, (Schools, offices, restaurants, pubs, etc.) Inadequate Services Inadequate Education