Discussions around Diversity Equity and Inclusion continue to be increasingly important in sectors across Australia and throughout the world. Although we have seen changes in equality between genders and acceptance of different races, colours, and gender orientation – we need to talk more about equality for people of varying abilities and disabilities.
What is Disability Inclusion in Australia?
Disability Inclusion in Australia refers to creating an environment and society where individuals with disabilities can fully participate, contribute and thrive on an equal basis with others.
Critical to this is the removal of physical barriers, ensuring that spaces - both physical and digital – can be navigated with ease or technologically enhanced to allow workers with diverse abilities to do their job properly.
Legal Protections and Anti-Discrimination
As with all workers, it is important that there are legal mechanisms which protect them from unfair treatment in various settings, including employment, education and public services.
Implementing these safeguards ensures that workers with disability can feel comfortable within a society that values and protects the rights and dignity of all its members.
Challenges for disabled workers
While an obstacle may be frustrating for many, for a disabled person it can significantly alter how they go about their day.
For a disabled person, a cracked footpath or a car parked over the footpath might mean that a wheelchair has to go on the road in traffic. Public transport that doesn’t have accessible entries might mean they are late to work. A restaurant or cafe with no wheelchair access might mean they are unable to attend a social occasion. Not to mention the challenges of not being able to locate a disabled toilet. Also not often considered is the width of a corridor or hallway, or having spaces that allow people with wheelchairs to enter their store and be able to turn around.
It is important that we consider the experiences of all members of society and that individuals, businesses and workplaces re-evaluate their attitude towards structures and obstacles – as what might be a minor inconvenience for some might be a major problem for others.
Society has come a long way with diversity and inclusion. But in some areas, such as disability, there is still a long way to go. And we can do better.
People with disabilities want to get on with their day and life just like anyone else. Some may need a carer to attend work with them or they may need to work a shorter day. But like everyone else they want to, and deserve to be, included in society as an active participating member. Because they are. They are kind, adventurous, brave, intelligent and the ideas and the productivity are just the same as able bodied people.
The challenges faced by those with disabilities don’t start and end with the physical side of getting around each day. They face and overcome many medical challenges as well which are faced with an attitude of ableism and without the right advocacy decisions can be made for them.
This is only a short snippet on the depth of this important topic. What are your policies in inclusion and diversity, and what measures have you put in place to support workers with various abilities?