Australians fail social inclusion test for people with a disability

New research reveals that Australians living with a disability are still feeling excluded from society, with the communities attitude the biggest problem faced by people with a disability.

New research reveals that Australians living with a disability are still feeling excluded from society, with the communities attitude the biggest problem faced by people with a disability.

Recent research conducted by disability service provider Scope in partnership with Deakin University clearly shows that Australians with a disability are still excluded from society.

94% of the respondents to the ‘Scope 1 in 4 Poll’ said they do not have enough meaningful participation in their community, together with 39% of respondents saying that if community attitudes towards disability changed, it would make a big difference to their lives.

Almost 90% of people with a disability who completed the survey said their needs were not met for social contact with others, going to cafes, bars or pubs, being respected by other people and feeling valued.

According to Chief Executive Officer of Scope, Jennifer Fitzgerald, the research suggests that the lives of people with a disability would improve if the community was more inclusive.

“People with a disability are among the most marginalised of our population,” Jennifer Fitzgerald said.

“And this social exclusion is a breach of their basic human rights as equal citizens.”

“It is as simple as Seeing the Person, Not the Disability. Australia needs to see past someone’s wheelchair, communication difficulty or physical differences and focus on the individual. Each and every Australian has a role to play in creating an inclusive community for people with a disability.”

Scope is also reminding us that disability issues are more prevalent than we may realise.

“One in four Australians is directly touched by disability, either having a disability themselves or caring for someone with a disability,” Jennifer Fitzgerald said. “Disability knows no boundaries.”

(source: Scope)