Workshop: Introduction to disability confidence
6th March 2007, 00:00am - 00:01am, Central London Past event
Simon Minty of Minty and Friend gave an entry-level overview of disability and how it affects business, society, and individuals. By using slides, antidotes, group work, and case studies Simon enabled the delegates to look at disability from different angels and perspectives. The DDA was discussed, but rather than dwell on the legalities of disability, the focus of the day was on disability awareness, confidence, and understanding.
Key points from the event
- It is in every business's interest to become disability confident as 1 in 3 people are disabled or know someone who is disabled. There are approximately 10 million disabled people in the UK.
- Disabled people have the annual spending power of £80 billion.
- It is important to know how to retain disabled people as most people with a disability acquire their disability during their working life.
- The two tick system and positive discrimination are effective methods of recruiting disabled people.
Themes from the event
- It is always better to assume someone has a disability and to make reasonable adjustments, rather than to delay and define their disability at a later date and then risk the employee taking them to a tribunal.
- Prejudices and stereotypes are the main hurdles disabled people have to overcome. Society will change when individuals and influential companies take the responsibility of promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Employers must decide what are considered 'reasonable' adjustments and it is understandable that they must maintain a business.
- Employers must know that even if an employee does not disclose their disability or consider themselves to have a disability, the employee is most likely covered by the DDA.
- 'One-size-fits-all' adjustments are not appropriate and what works for one person will not always be the best for another. Employers and businesses must look at each person on a case by case basis.
- It would be advisable to anticipate that large events or functions will have disabled delegates. Hiring BSL interpreters, making sure a venue is accessible before the event and ensuring all reasonable adjustments are made can save potential embarrassment, disappointment, and lawsuits.