Supporting
World Human Rights Day
INTRODUCTION
We’re here a lot of representatives from different voices from all backgrounds.
BACKGROUND
Lack of representative voices goes beyond the general issues which most people associate with disabilities and difficulties
This causes a negative representation of disabilities and difficulties
Also, some people with disabilities and difficulties can be misrepresented more because of their circumstances, it can make them a disadvantage in society. For example, those living on the autistic spectrum face barriers to accessing work as there is a low percentage rate in every corner of the world. Because of this it can lead to a situation where their voices are not only not represented but also not taken seriously.
A person from a unique background with disabilities and difficulties can also have their voice silenced because it can be classified as insignificant. This is associated with common viewpoint on the system on how society works can only cater for the majority of voices. I was personally told this from a local Politician on unique experiences affecting disabilities. This means those with unique experiences can be sidelined and completely ignored.
THE CONSEQUENCES
If we do not represent disabilities and difficulties beyond generalised assumptions, typecasts and stereotypes then we will never be able to represent disabilities and difficulties regardless of any good intentions.
This can mean there’s a high possibility that any important changes that affect the whole society can create an environment of those with disabilities and difficulties are at a disadvantage. It can mean a person with disability and difficulties is constantly compromised on their value and therefore it can damage their place in society and their self-worth.
Also misrepresentation can sadly strengthen the negative closed minds with not seeing a person beyond their disability & difficulties to limit their place in society as a care and support recipient.
Any kind of misrepresentation can harm a person’s ability to exercise their human rights.
WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE
We need to stop dividing and sidelining a variety of people with disabilities and difficulties. This is regardless of whether their experiences are unique or not.
We need to be much more inclusive which enables real representation to include disabilities and difficulties
We need to be more considerate on any decision-making or changes that affect society and must not make disabilities and difficulties a disadvantage. This means listening to the disabilities and difficulties voices and experts and not distorting the voices through presumptions and generalisations.
WAYS FORWARDS
Pay great attention to the voices of disabilities and difficulties regardless of their expertise and circumstances.
We must not create an environment which damages a disability and difficulties voice and their place in society.
As well as not causing misrepresentation, a persons human rights must be respected at all times.
FINAL POINT
Everyone needs to widen the representation of disabilities and difficulties
Written by Keith Mckenzie
Project Director Plus Value Awareness
Click here to discover more about the project directo
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS
From the Plus Value Awareness family
Positive Value
The introduction project is a starting point to value hidden differences as citizens
Elements of Value
The information and visual art project to start exploring five key areas of valuing a person with hidden differences
Value & Dignity
The projects focus on the importance of valuing and respecting a person’s human rights regardless of a person’s difficulties.
Advantage: The Well Represented page
The project information page on the importance of representing hidden differences against their ambitions and ambitions
USEFUL LINKS
Plus Value Awareness information page for supporting World Human Rights Day.
INFORMATION
Hidden differences are used as a collective description of independent and articulate young people and adults who live with types of difficulties that are not visually obvious
Visit the Understanding series index to explore
Keith Mckenzie
For Plus Value Awareness
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