Respecting Disabled people
We all want to be treated with respect and kindness. Disabled people want that too, but lots of us are being affected by negative attitudes and poor behaviour.
And it starts at the top. Over the last week, politicians have made disparaging statements about Disabled people who need social security. Journalists have published negative articles, and Disabled people have been forced to explain why they should be allowed to travel.
Our politicians and media set the tone for our society. When our leaders behave poorly and talk about Disabled people in a damaging way, Disabled people face more abusive comments and threats, and their lives are less valued.
Every person is important, whether we’re Disabled or non-Disabled.
Making our communities a place for everyone
Our politicians, decision-makers and leaders have a responsibility to society. They must speak respectfully about us all. They should consider a wide range of people’s needs – including Disabled people – when making decisions about policies, local areas and systems.
This is already beginning to happen:
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Bristol City Council is asking how their pedestrian zones should work for people with Blue Badges
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National Landscapes Association is working with Disabled Ramblers, so more people can enjoy our beautiful countryside.
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Local Government Association has created a toolkit for new Disabled councillors.
When MP’s shirk their responsibility, more of us are reminding them. For example, 10,000 people have told the Department for Education that Disabled children and students should be able to access specialist software to help them learn equally.
How we are making a more equal world
Campaign for Disability Justice and Inclusion Barnet are part of this change. Recently we have been:
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Joining government meetings to improve their understanding of what Disabled people need.
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Challenging newspaper articles that speak negatively about Disabled people.
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Helping people understand Disabled people’s experiences through cartoons, social media and articles.
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Meeting Disabled people to find out what changes are needed to local services.
Everyone can make sure our society and communities are places where everyone is accepted and treated well. Thousands of people have joined the Campaign for Disability Justice, to say they believe in equality for Disabled people. Will you join them? And if you’re already a member – can you share with a friend?
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