Eliminating discrimination and/or attitudinal barriers
This section discusses the barriers of discrimination and negative attitudes that can be experienced by disabled people. These barriers can be changed through knowledge and understanding.
Improving knowledge and attitudes about disability
Negative attitudes towards disabled people can range from outright prejudice or inappropriate paternalism, to complete ignorance of disability-related issues.
Where negative attitudes manifest as discrimination there can be intentional marginalising of people or groups of people. Examples include policies and regulations that prevent disabled people living in a residential zone if they require supported accommodation. Or a policy decision not to employ people with support needs. Such actions deny disabled people access to social participation as equal citizens.
Lack of knowledge or negative attitudes held by those with the power to make decisions or who deliver services can contribute to behaviour which creates barriers to participation for disabled people. Policy makers need to consider the knowledge and attitudes of the workforce groups that plan, fund and deliver services within their policy area and consider ways to raise awareness of disability issues. To do this effectively, it is important to be wary of token gestures. The emphasis should be on action that makes a real difference in the lives of disabled people.
Protection from victimisation and unsafe environments
Safety and protection from victimisation are essential for individuals to fully participate in society. Fear and the experience of victimisation (abuse, violence, neglect, harassment and discrimination) limit the choices and opportunities of disabled people. Economic and physical dependencies increase the opportunity for victimisation and reduce options for escaping abusive or violent situations. This means, for example, that policy makers working on policy or service development related to issues of protection (that is, justice, police, courts, public health, etc) must consider how to ensure the safety and protection needs of disabled people are met. In some cases, advocacy services to ensure people are able to stand up for their rights may be required.
The diverse needs of disabled people must also be included in all consideration of environmental safety and preventable injury. For example, flashing fire alarms for Deaf people who would not hear an audible alarm.