Hi disability brings challenges for the individual, their carers, family and communities. Accessing services and taking part (active participation
page 193) is made easier when a disability is understood and the person is valued for the potential contributions they can make as they grow, interact, learn and develop.
Page 198 of the CYPW handbook 'Media stories about disabled people often present them as 'tragic' victims to be pitied, and it is often assumed the disabled person will be helpless and dependent. Seeing disabled people in this way undermines the concept of disabled people as individuals who deserve respect for what they are capable of achieving.
Positive attitudes towards disability means there are individuals, professionals, companies, groups and local service providers wanting to, and actively working out ways to include everyone. The law prevents discrimination against disability and requires settings to meet the appropriate legislation regarding equality, but to have attitudes that recognise the child for who they and the experiences that are & could be shared, means settings have the opportunity to go beyond what the law requires, bettering how we see each other and the support that can be offered.
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