3. “Recognising and respecting differences
in others, and treating everyone like you
want them to treat you, will help make
our world a better place for everyone.You
don’t have to be disabled to be different.
Everyone is different!”
Kim Peek,inspiration for the film Rainman
4.
5. From 1st January 2007 the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, when carrying out it’s
functions, must pay due regard to:
Promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people; and
Encouraging participation by disabled people in public life (‘the disability duties’).
When thinking about the implications of this important legislation on our work the
Youth Council for Northern Ireland, as part of its Disability Action Plan, recognises the
importance of the need to raise awareness of these duties with our funded groups and
with youth work agencies generally.
DiVerSeAbiLitY aims to assist you to think about the ways in which positive attitudes
towards disabled people can be promoted and to assist in thinking how you can better
facilitate the participation of young people with disabilities in particular.
It provides tips and ideas on working inclusively which we hope you find useful in your work
with young people. Practice examples have been gathered through discrete research led by
YCNI and provide case-study material to encourage genuine reflection. Names and other
details have been omitted to protect the identity of individuals involved.
•
•
Have you noticed…
disability legislation in Northern Ireland has changed?
1
6. As youth workers we should be mindful of the words and terminology we use.The way we say something
and how we say it can strongly influence young people’s perceptions in either a positive OR a negative way.
The language and terminology used for disability and to describe disability and/or disabled people has often
communicated a negative message. It is important that we communicate positive attitudes and avoid terms
that may cause offence or inaccurately portray diversity.
Preferred language Language to avoid
Disabled Person/People The Disabled; Handicapped; Invalid
Non Disabled Person Able Bodied/Normal
Impairments Disabilities
Blind Person
Person with a visual impairment
The Blind
Deaf Person
Person with a hearing impairment
The Deaf
Person who has/Person with Suffers from; is a victim of; is crippled by
Person with Cerebral Palsy Spastic
Person with Epilepsy Epileptic
Wheelchair User Wheelchair bound
These are only a few of the language issues to be aware of.
See our signposting details at the back for further information.
What’s in a word?
2
“The difference between the right word and the almost-right word
is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
- MarkTwain
7. Changing Attitudes
Is the perception that young
people with disabilities are a
problem valid; and how has
this arisen?
What can be done to ensure
young people with disabilities
feel included?
“I Keep Waiting…”
There are good examples of youth clubs and youth organisations who make excellent
provision for young people with disabilities and who ensure that all young people are
included.
Despite this, there is ongoing anecdotal evidence to suggest that some young people with
disabilities feel that youth service and other service providers view them as a ‘problem’. This
may well be the perception of many young people with disabilities.
A young person with a disability contacted their
local youth club on a few occasions to enquire
about attending. Each time he was told that a
worker would be in touch with more details.
“TheYouth Service is like a wall of silence.I keep
waiting but hear nothing.I can’t be bothered any
more to keep calling them.”
(Young person, 17)
?
Oneyoungperson’sexperience:
Disabled people argue that if attitudes were to change, alongside practical changes to the way physical
environments are designed and the way in which society is organised, then the effect of their impairments
would be reduced, and would ensure disabled people have a fairer chance of participating in public life.
So, what needs to change and how do we make these changes meaningful?
3
?
8. The most disabling barriers are often not physical –but are the negative attitudes expressed by others.
Stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice can have the most long-term and damaging effects.
Access to information: We rely on written material extensively in our day-to-day lives - everything from
information on what time the buses/trains are running to how our mobile phones and MP3 Players operate.
It is important however when disseminating information that we consider carefully how we present it –the
following pointers may offer some guidance:
Plain English
large print and Braille
Audio Cassette or via a speech synthesizer.
Sign language interpreter or subtitles
It is also vital to make sure young people are aware of your work, and the best way of doing this is
ensuring your information is reaching them. Building new relationships with others and forging new creative
partnerships can strengthen your opportunity to do this.
•
•
•
•
“Anything worth having is worth working for.”
-Andrew Carnegie
Working inclusively is not always easy – it may present challenges for the practitioner and for youth
service generally – however it is important to honestly reflect on current approaches and consider where
improvements are needed as well as devise creative strategies to overcome barriers.
Case-Study
The important point to note is that small steps are still steps forward – when some disabled young people
who do not participate in mainstream youth provision, were asked why this is, a few responded simply:
“Because I’ve never been asked.”
Is your Youth Organisation pro-active in exploring the inclusion of Young People?
4
9. Attitudinal barriers: Many people have pre-conceived prejudices about disabled people.This could be due
to having limited contact with disabled people in the past. Misconceptions of others can lead to negative
perceptions or intolerance. For example some automatically adopt a discriminatory attitude by making an
incorrect assumption that a disabled person would not be as capable as a non-disabled person.
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past,
threatens the future and renders the present
inaccessible.”
-MayaAngelou
Case-Study
Some disabled young people who have had negative experiences of youth service provision have felt:
They had been treated in a patronising manner
That they were a burden, and ‘in the way’
There is a lack of disability awareness
•
•
•
If young people don’t feel welcome, or if they
feel that they are a burden, they are much less
likely to engage, and therefore risk being further
marginalised.”
Support Worker
5
Engagement with all young people should be meaningful and demonstrate an approach that is committed to
promoting full participation where their voices and opinions are valued and considered.
10. “When I was in my early years
learning disabilities were an unknown
entity.Those of us that had these
problems were simply viewed as
unintelligent, and from my perspective
the greatest sadness was that we viewed
ourselves the same way.”
Dr.Epstein (pioneer in paediatric neurosurgery)
6
11. Congratulations to Kelly Knox (top right) and Sophie Morgan
– their
celebrated glamour and beauty has gone a long way towards challenging
our attitudes to disability. Of course, it is also important to be aware
of that other notion of model and disability – by which we mean the
methodology applied to inform practice.Two of the most frequently
referred to models are the ‘medical model’ and the ‘social model’ of
disability.
The Medical Model of Disability places the problem with the individual
that only a cure will solve. It denies the individual their value, worth
and individuality as they do not meet the accepted ‘norms’ of our society.
This model is also known as the tragedy or charity model and worryingly
perpetuates how disabled people are often viewed in society.
Medical labels are often misleading as no two people are the same. Medical labels
tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as patients who are ill, powerless
and wholly dependent on the medical profession.
The Social Model of Disability challenges this ‘medical model’ approach. The
Social Model locates barriers firmly within the way society is constructed. Individual
limitations, of whatever kind, are perceived as only one factor. Far more important
is society’s failure to ensure that the needs of disabled people are fully taken into
account in its social organisation.Therefore, according to the Social Model, disability is
a social state and not a medical condition.
Kelly Knox and Sophie Morgan were both participants on the BBC Series ‘Britain’s Missing Top Model 2008’
Models of Disability
7
12. All Service providers have a legal duty to anticipate that
disabled people will want to use their services and therefore
service providers should plan to make changes so that they
are able to do so.
The Law
So what are the duties…?
1. A duty not to treat disabled people less favourably than
people who are not disabled
2. A duty to make reasonable adjustments
3. A duty to make reasonable adjustments in relation to physical
features or premises.
Equality legislation is also an important lever in redressing discriminatory
practice and ensuring we all enjoy protection. However, just as important is
raising awareness, challenging stereotypes and building relationships on the
grounds of respect and fairness.
8
13. 9
Promote Positive Attitudes
and Encourage Participation
Organise Disability Awareness Training for Young People,
Volunteers and Staff alongside sessions exploring good relations.
Sign Language Classes.
Recruit volunteers and staff that provide positive role models and
whom are reflective of the diversity in Northern Ireland.
Get creative– try out new games e.g. Par Ball, Boccia,
and other inclusive activities.
Provide information in different formats including Braille.
Ensure that when organising events you consider access
and that you advertise this.
Ensure your facilities are accessible and advertise this.
14. 1.Approximately how many young people in Northern Ireland have a disability?
A) 5,600 B) 9,600 C) 14,600 D) 23,600
2.Approximately how many disabled people are wheelchair users?
A) 5% B) 12% C) 25% D) 56%
3. How many disabled people acquire a disability after they are born?
A) 22% B) 47% C) 75% D) 97%
4.Approximately how many people use sign language in Northern Ireland?
A)1000 B)2500 C)5000 D)10,000
5.Approximately how many people in Northern Ireland will experience mental ill health?
A) 1 in 5 B)1in 15 C)1in 50 D) 1in 1000
Let’s get Quizzical…..
10
15. Myth Disability is a devastating
personal tragedy
Truth The lives of disabled people are not
tragic.What often disables people is
the attitudes they encounter and the
environment in which they live and
work.
Myth Disabled people are unable to
have relationships
Truth Many disabled people, like non-disabled
people, make choices about marriage,
long-term relationships and having
children.
Myth Disabled people are dependent
on others
Truth Some people may need help with
some things – too often because of an
inadequately designed environment.
Nonetheless, like non-disabled people,
most disabled people strive to be
independent.
Myth Blind people have a sixth sense Truth Some people use and refine their other
senses to compensate.
Myth Disabled people are courageous Truth Disabled people, like non-disabled
people, approach life in individual ways.
Can you spot the difference?
11
16. “We, the ones who are challenged, need
to be heard.To be seen not as a disability,
but as a person who has, and will continue
to bloom.To be seen not as a handicap,
but as a well intact human being.”
Robert M.Hensel
12
17. “Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never
forget that if there weren’t any need for you
in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you
wouldn’t be here in the first place.”
Richard Buckminster Fuller
Disabled People are not one homogenous group.Two young people
with cerebral palsy will not be the same – their outlooks, and
experiences will be unique to them.We are all unique and individual
– we should celebrate this!
PuttheYoungPersonfirst–NOTtheirdisability.
13
18. Blaine Harrison, 21,
lead vocalist in
‘The Mystery Jets’.
Sophie Morgan, 23, is
an art student, and has
showcased her work in
Notting Hill, London where
she has sold some of her
paintings. Sophie was a
runner-up in the BBC Series,
Britain’s Missing Top Model,
and has trekked across
Nicaraguia with the BBC
Documentary,‘Beyond
Boundaries’.
Focus on abilities, not limitations
for example a young person is not
confined to a wheelchair but uses it for
mobility.
Be creative in your engagement
with young people
even if a young person has a particular
disability, this does not mean that they are
unable to do all activities.
Avoid labelling young
people by their disability
Ade Adepitan, TV Presenter; bronze
medallist in British Wheelchair
Basketball Paralympics Team in
Athens 2004.
14
19. The following tips offer simple guidance to working with a young person with a disability:
If you feel a young person needs assistance, ask them. Disabled people have the right to say no. Do not
assume you know the best way of helping – listen to any instruction given. If a young person wants
assistance, ask them what they want you to do.
When another person is accompanying a young person with a disability, speak directly to the young
person.
Do not lean on a person’s wheelchair.The chair is part of the personal space of the person who uses it.
When talking to a wheelchair user, position yourself at eye level, if possible.
Do not be embarrassed about using common expressions such as “see you later” or “I’ll be running
along then”, which may relate to an impairment.
When planning an event, ask advice from disabled people and advertise accessibility. If access and
facilities are not clearly described, disabled people may not risk coming because of previous difficulties.
Do not make assumptions about the existence or absence of disabilities. Some people have hidden
disabilities, such as diabetes or mental health difficulties.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Guide for working with young people with a disability
15
20. Meeting people who are deaf
Do not make assumptions about a person’s ability to communicate or the ways in which they do it.
Always ask the person to tell you.
Remember that those deaf people who use sign language find this the easiest method of
communication. If an interpreter is present, speak to the person you are meeting rather than to the
interpreter.
Shouting to a person who is deaf does not help.You may want to use written notes.
Facial expressions and gestures help deaf people understand you. Do not hide your mouth with your
hands, cigarette or food. Do not wear sunglasses. Do not use exaggerated movements of the mouth.
Face the person you are talking to, and speak slowly and clearly.
If necessary, attract the person’s attention with a light touch on their shoulder, or a wave of the hand.
If you are with a deaf person where an audible signal is given (e.g. fire bell) make sure the person
understands what is happening.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
16
21. Meeting people with speech difficulties
Give the person your whole attention. Be patient. Do not correct or speak for the person. Wait quietly
while the person talks, and resist the temptation to finish sentences.
Where possible, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head.
If you have difficulty understanding, don’t pretend. Repeat what you do understand, and the person’s
reactions will guide you.
Meeting people who are blind
When talking to a blind person, always introduce yourself and the people with you, indicating their
relative position to you.
Advise a blind person when you are leaving, as they may not be aware and may continue talking.This
is especially important in noisy environments.
When offering assistance, ask the person directly what you need to do.As a rule, allow the person to
take your arm – you should guide rather than lead or propel the person. Advise on steps or other
obstacles as they occur.
When welcoming a blind person to a room they do not know, give a brief description of the room
layout.To help a blind person sit down, place the person’s hand on the back of the chair, and say that it
is on the back of the chair.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
17
22. “Knowing is not enough;
we must apply!”
Goethe
AnswerstoQuiz
(Page10)
1.14,600
2.5%
3.97%
4.5000
5.1in5
18
23. Some other useful Contacts
Cedar Foundation Northern Ireland
www.cedar-foundation.org
Children’s Law Centre
www.childrenslawcentre.org
Disability Action
www.disabilityaction.org
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
www.equalityni.org
Face Inclusion Matters
www.faceim.org.uk
Human Rights Consortium
www.billofrightsni.org
JEDI
www.jedini.com
MENCAP Northern Ireland
www.mencap.org.uk
NICCY
www.niccy.org
Physical Sensory Disability Transition Team
Northern Health Social Services Trust:
Tel: 028 9442 6034
RNIB NI
www.rnib.org.uk
RNID NI
www.rnid.org
19
24. Youth Council for Northern Ireland
Forestview, Purdy’s Lane
BELFAST, BT8 7AR
T: +44 (0) 28 90643882
F: +44 (0) 28 90643874
Textphone: 028 90644801
www.ycni.org
TheYouth Council for Northern Ireland
wish to thank the Physical and Sensory
DisabilityTransitionTeam of the Northern
Health and Social ServicesTrust and Face
Inclusion Matters for their assistance in the
development and launch of this resource.
