Equal? Still not, why not?

People with disabilities still face discrimination, poverty and prejudice according to a report by Disability Agenda Scotland. The report gathered the views of over 80 people with a physical or learning disability, sight or hearing impairment and mental health problems.  It found a 20% surge in disability hate crime between 2013/14 and 2015/16, with 177 incidents being reported that year.

Just 43% of disabled people were in work, compared to 73% of the wider population, with employment falling in some groups such as people living with sight loss.

DAS wants a comprehensive review of attitudes and services. CHAIR said: “We are calling for the Scottish Government to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of disability and reduce stigma and discrimination. Issues like access to employment, a more dignified and empowering system of social security, isolation and loneliness, and access to advocacy support to overcome barriers to achieving the life you want to live. All of these issues are within the gift of Government at all levels to take positive action on.”

 

Image credit: Craig Chew-Moulding CC by 2.0