Disability and equality in employment : the imperative for a new approach

Abstract

The effectiveness of Disability Equality Training in improving employment opportunities for disabled people is investigated in this thesis. Evidence that disabled people experience discrimination in employment is presented and the prevailing approaches selected by previous and current UK Governments to tackle institutionalised discrimination are rejected as being, not only ineffective, but also inappropriate. It is argued that UK policy is based on an outmoded approach which has been adopted predominantly by US attitude researchers. This analysis reveals the imperative for new methods to tackle discrimination against disabled people in employment and that they should be based on an alternative model. This approach, developed by disabled sociologists, academics and activists, is described in detail as the 'Social Model of Disability'. The importance of this model in the deliverance of disabled people from their widespread passive and dependent state is considered with reference to the need for comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation. However, with the current absence of the right of disabled people to challenge discrimination through law, additional strategies based on the social model are thought to be needed. The development, delivery and evaluation of one such approach, Disability Equality Training, is presented in detail. These training seminars aimed to help delegates challenge discriminatory policies and procedures within their organisations and understand the need for Anti-Discrimination Legislation. The research study focuses on the outcomes of the action plans developed by 66 delegates from large employers who attended one of a series of six two-day seminars. The results indicate that their action plans were based on the social model of disability and that Disability Equality Training proves to be a potent tool in effecting change. However, on considering the limitations of these seminars, it is revealed that the success of Disability Equality Training in challenging institutionalised discrimination throughout the UK employment market will be contingent upon the introduction of comprehensive and effective Anti-Discrimination Legislation.

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