There are still significant barriers in place which can affect a disabled person’s chances of successfully landing a job which will help enable them to afford the items and services which they may need in their everyday lives. That’s even though the representation of disability issues and representation has grown in recent times. Everybody deserves to have equal opportunities in society that will help them progress through life and advance their way up different business structures so that they can afford a better standard of living. However due to certain issues such as discrimination or prejudice in the work place, this may be more hard to come by.
There has been evidence in the past that even though they have the adequate skills and experiences which are needed for certain jobs, disabled people can have a lower chance of being successful in the recruitment process for different jobs. Director of Strategy and Innovation at Proximo Group, David Dew-Veal joined renowned disability advocate, TV personality, and consultant, Simon Minty for a powerful podcast discussion. The podcast focused on exploring identity, creating inclusive environments, and empowering businesses to engage effectively with the disability market.
“People need representation of disability at all levels of a business” says David Dew-Veal.
The podcast addressed key challenges in representation within businesses/ arts and highlighted significant opportunities:
There have been many assessments which have taken place in the past to analyse the development of disability awareness with in the business community. Although these have been done by various organisations, there has always been a common theme that more improvements need to be put in place to make it a fairer market place to enable disabled workers to be on a level playing field with their colleagues who may be able bodied.
Representation in the Arts and Media
From subtle, everyday portrayals of disability to the powerful narratives of disability arts, visibility matters. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, inclusivity in the arts can challenge perceptions and inspire change.
The Crucial Role of Accessible Transport
Access to transport is integral, connecting people to opportunities in work, arts, and daily life. As a key enabler, accessible…
At this present time, there is still a high differential between the number of disabled people being employed and the number of able bodied people in full time work. The disability employment rate currently stands at 53% compared to 81% of those who are able bodied in employment. But why is there is a large difference between the figures and what can be done to improve the situation.
This gap is higher for single people, men, people aged 50 to 64 those with no qualifications and those living in social housing.
There are also differences in the Gap depending on where people live, with higher rates in the North of England compared to elsewhere in the country.
Barriers to employment can include:
-Attitudinal (stereotyping, discrimination prejudice) barrier
Environmental (inaccessible workplace, equipment and transport for example)
Institutional – lack of inclusive training, knowledge and awareness and ineffective legislation
Unconscious bias
Lack of flexible working arrangements
Lack of assistive technology
Access to transport is integral, connecting people to opportunities in work, arts, and daily life. As a key enabler, accessible transport should be addressed with innovative, cost-effective solutions from the outset of planning.
One company makes travel accessible to everyone. Open Road Access (ORA) is a ground breaking service redefining transport for wheelchair users. ORA’s nationwide wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) hire service is transforming the way people travel.
There needs to be a better educational system in which people are being taught all through out their lives how to make society more accessible to everyone including to those who are disabled. If this situation is improved disabled people will have more equal opportunities in society and will be less isolated from everyone else.
