People with disabilities are suffering a significant amount of social neglect and exclusion worldwide. Still, we see that people with disabilities are always more motivated and focused on contributing to society than any of us. This makes it very important to empower people with disabilities to have their voice.
Several programs in Australia, like NDIS support services, are working towards empowering disabled people. Here are a few reasons why it is essential to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities:
- For a better future: We play a significant role in social growth and change when we assist others in pursuing and achieving their goals. More and more people can get employment if social services like good health care are available to those with impairments. In the end, this collective effort to support people with disabilities strengthens society generally and helps the economy grow.
- To prevent negligence: Many people across the world are affected by disability in a variety of ways. Sadly, these people’s disabilities are often unknown to others. Affected individuals may feel neglected when people are ignorant about their impairments.
It is crucial to empower people with disabilities so that they can support disabled people and their families in whatever capacity they can. This can be accomplished by introducing programs that offer disabled people access to basic amenities like healthcare and shelter.
- To promote respect and peace: People with disabilities often experience discrimination and inequality because of their limitations. We must inform and educate the public about different types of impairments and appropriate ways to interact with people with disabilities. Campaigns and seminars can be organized to create awareness about different disabilities.
With the right information, more people will be understanding and compassionate to those with impairments, fostering an environment of respect and peace. In addition, this awakening will result in more accepting views across all fields, enabling more people with disabilities to contribute to societal growth.
How can you empower people with disabilities?
- Use the right words: There is no “correct” approach to interacting with people with disabilities. Using terminology that puts the person first, such as “people with disabilities” rather than “disabled person,” is a common way to speak to people with disabilities. Another alternative is to use terminology that highlights identity, such as “disabled person.” Many disabled people and advocates for their rights hold the view that there is no need to distinguish between the person and their condition because there is no inherent shame associated with it.
- Show that you care: Different infirmities come with different contexts and demands or independence levels. You can read about various disabilities and become supportive of someone in your environment which lives with a specific disability. This is a good way to empower both that person and yourself. You are empowering them by displaying that you care and genuinely understand their requirements. You are empowering them by being genuinely interested in them. You are empowering them by caring.
- Do not take control: Doing things for people with disabilities when they can do them themselves may be the worst thing you can do. It’s simple: don’t impose your help on people if you haven’t been asked. You might interfere with the person’s autonomy if you impose yourself on them. It is better to respect disabled people’s efforts to do things independently and have confidence in their capabilities.
- Empower disabled people to take leadership roles: Only 68% of businesses focus on disability exclusively, despite 72% of companies claiming to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open up a dialogue to include voices and perspectives from people with disabilities so that they may have a seat at the table, whether at work or in a classroom.
