Disability Equality Training

Background

The Disability Movement developed Disability Equality Training (“DET”), over a number of years.  It is designed to help Organisations look at their policies, practices and procedures.

In Wales, the initiative began in 1992 with the Wales Association of Disability Equality Trainers. 

In common with its counterparts in the rest of the United Kingdom, RMS works within strict guidelines as to the aim, role and content of DET packages.

What is DET about?

• Promoting disability as an equal opportunities issue
• Examining barriers faced by disabled people in society
• Questioning stereotypes around the myths and misconceptions about disabled people
• Promoting effective communication between disabled people and their non-disabled counterparts
• Promoting positive change both in policy, practice and procedure

DET is NOT about...

• Making non-disabled people feel guilty
• Disabled people recounting their life stories
• Simulating physical, sensory or mental impairments
• Giving information about medical conditions

Who delivers DET and the style of training?

It is a core principle of DET that all courses are run by:

• A disabled person with a strong Social Model perspective
• A disabled person who is trained as a Disability Equality Trainer
• DET trainers are usually self-employed and are recognised as highly skilled with a professional approach to the training they deliver
• The training style is participative, there will be presentations, however, the emphasis is on discussion and debate

The content of a typical DET course

All courses are tailored to meet the needs of the commissioning organisation, but will include many of the following topics:

• Models of disability and the disabling society
• Definitions of disability
• Disability Etiquette and communication
• The history of disabled people and the disabled peoples’ movement
• Language and image
• Myths and misconceptions
• Disability Discrimination and related legislation
• Disability and equal opportunities
• Disability Equality in Practice
• Case studies
• Actions plans and evaluation

Why have Disability Equality Training?

All organisations wishing to implement Best Practice within their daily structure should consider Disability Equality Training.  The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 places a Duty on all Public Sector Authorities to promote Disability Equality, and to provide DET to staff at all levels throughout the organisation.

Apart from enabling delegates to embrace the subject matter of disability in a new light, DET helps in addressing:

• Equal Opportunities

Disabled people hold an equal position in society, and DET provides practical help in achieving equality in your organisation.

• Employment

DET will assist in the implementation of non-discriminatory practices in the workplace in recruitment, in the selection process, and in training and development.

• Service delivery and Customer care

DET ensures effective communication, and helps service providers and businesses address the needs and aspirations of disabled people.