Whilst it is true that we remember more of what we see than what we hear it is also a fact that what we feel has even more impact. Experiencing a situation builds a realisation that mere telling cannot. What we feel, hear and see has the power to touch us at an intellectual, sensory and emotional level.
Much Disability Awareness Training relies on holistic approach to discrimination. It regards discrimination against those with a disability the same as discrimination against race colour or creed. In an academic way this is absolutely true. Discrimination is discrimination wherever it occurs. We can tell people that it is wrong to do and they will readily agree. Just as we would all agree that keeping to the speed limit is the right thing to do and yet most of us exceed the limit at times.
Recent shock tactic advertising for anti smoking and drink driving use scenarios where the viewer is challenged to ‘feel what its like’ to experience the tragedy shown on the screen.
This shock tactic advertising when it works is motivating a change in behaviour through fear alone. This method can work with some people although it can also easily offend too.
Our approach to Disability Awareness Training is to look at why discrimination occurs. This means confronting issues of fear and ignorance. We demonstrate a person with a disability has an identity which has nothing to do with their disability. This is the first stage in learning how to relate to the individual with empathy. From this building block it is then possible to develop a rapport with the person.
Disability is often something we would rather not deal with. Like death or cancer disability is one of the taboos we’d rather not think about. This ‘head in the sand’ mentality is simply unacceptable in today’s world. Thanks to the DDA and the DRC these outdated attitudes and prejudices will have to go.
We believe that changing the way people think about disability is the best way to avoid discrimination www.blue-badge.co.uk
