I thought, "Did he really say that?"
A few days later I checked on the transcript. Yes, you did, Mr Cameron. Here it is in black and white:"Opportunity […] doesn’t mean much to a disabled person prevented from doing what they’re good at because of who they are."
Just run that past me again, will you? Okay: "Opportunity […] doesn’t mean much to a disabled person prevented from doing what they’re good at because of who they are."
Here we are, slap bang back in the medical model of disability where the obstacle is perceived as the person with the impairment themselves. Most of us with any connection with the subject have moved into a more rational perception with the social model of disability, with many engaging in interesting discussion beyond it.
No, not because of who we are
Please understand: the lack of opportunity comes about not from who we are, but from the misconceptions about and/or hatred of us, attitudes which are upheld by those responsible for the continued existence of the barriers.People in positions of power, authority and influence continue to send out mixed messages. We have all kinds of initiatives - far too many to mention - which, I wouldn't mind betting, frequently work only where people with real understanding make decisions and take action probably beyond their pay grade.
What is still lacking is a change in perception and attitude by decision makers.
Over twenty years ago I was so delighted - and astonished - at the enlightened attitude expressed in the British Gas appointments advert below that it lived on my pin-board for a decade. Sadly it seems to have been a rarity, as it still has the power to surprise, even given the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act the following year, and the subsequent Equalities Act. When it comes down to it, legislation, however well worded, merely allows the person discriminated against to take out a private prosecution; something for which the majority of people with impairments simply do not have the resources, financial, physical, emotional or psychological.
The enduring part of the advert is:
"Our diversity is our strength […] It's simply good business sense. If you have a disability and a good degree, you're likely to have developed lateral thinking, planning and problem-solving skills long before your contemporaries. What's more, you bring an alternative viewpoint to project and team work. As an organisation committed to quality in its thinking and its workforce, we're prepared to invest a great deal in these skills."
Access to Work* remains one of government's best kept secrets, but has the potential to change not only the lives of individuals, but in the light of the above, to transform industry as a whole - to strengthen its problem-solving capability, to increase flexibility and co-operation, and through genuine inclusion, tapping into the hidden talents of the entire workforce, not just graduates, to be a real driver of creative, economic stability.
It does take leadership though, and retrograde pronouncements don't help. It's an old saying, but true: if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
They say wisdom comes with age, so I guess your birthday is a good time get on side, Mr Cameron.
From just one of the 19% of the UK population who live with impairments, and who are disabled by the attitudes of some people, and by some of the constructed environment. *Find other useful video links - and add your own - on www.showmetheaccess.co.uk
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