Disability Awareness
Disability Awareness means educating people regarding disabilities and giving people the knowledge required to carry out a job or task, thus separating good practice from poor. It is no longer enough just to know that disability discrimination is unlawful. 18% of the working-age population are classified as disabled, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
The biggest barrier people with disabilities encounter are other people. Not all disabilities are visible. Sadly, those with hidden disabilities often do not feel like they belong within the disability community because they are not considered to be “disabled enough”. They are caught between not being fully accepted as people without disabilities, and not being recognised as having “real” disabilities.
Creating a disability friendly workplace
Making your workplace disability friendly means that you are truly reflecting the diversity that is found within the UK’s population. It also will build your businesses reputation as people will be drawn and be more loyal to a company that demonstrates that it includes everyone no matter what.
As with anything knowledge is power. The key to being able to make things truly diverse is by communication. When you talk to individuals and learn the truth, rather than what is publicised or shown in the media, about themselves and their disability, visible or invisible, that is when things will really start to change.
How do we make the workplace more friendly?
Here are some ways that you can make your workplace disability friendly:-
- Educating themselves and other employees – This helps employers to be aware of any barriers that disabled people may encounter and helps to create an inclusive,
supportive culture. - Providing equipment or additional devices if required.
- Changing working hours or
responsibilities. - Recording disability-related
absences separately to sick leave or other absences. - Making the workplace more
physically accessible, for example, installing ramps, accessible toilets, or modified furniture.
- Providing a support worker or forming a support group.
- Providing an allocated parking space – This could be a space that is closer to the entrance or that is wider.
- Allowing more flexible working hours, additional breaks, or the opportunity to work from home, if possible.
- Providing information in an alternative or more accessible way.
- Offering specialist training or support.
- Revising policies.
- Undertaking some disability awareness training.
These things have little to no cost however can really change lives for some people.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
Turn off your phone for a whole day and talk to people face to face.
