Disability Issues
1 in 7 people in the population has an impairment.
Of these, 17% are born with their main impairment. Most people acquire the disability through illness or accident or develop these impairments with the onset of old age.
Impairments may be visible or hidden. They affect the way people live their lives, but they are not the key issues. It is the attitudes of other people and the built environment that disable people with impairments.
THE EQUALITY ACT 2010
This new legislative framework is designed to protect the rights of the individual and to advance equality of opportunity. It simplifies and draws together different pieces of existing legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2006.
The legal requirement is that we be inclusive of people with impairments in our church services and other activities - committees and social occasions - so that we, as providers, do not create and perpetuate those conditions that are disabling and excluding. Where staff are employed it is illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability. As a new provision, the Act also makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of association with a disabled person.
The Act seeks to ensure changes to:
- Attitudes
- Access
For more information about the Equality Act 2010, download 'Equality Act Quick Start Guide' Click here.
THE DIOCESE ASKS
Each parish to appoint a Disability Officer.
- to carry out an audit of provision, recording results
- to have in place an action plan, approved by the PCC
- to review provision on a regular basis.
- To ensure that disability provision is a mainstream consideration not peripheral.
Click here for an Access Audit form
CONSIDERING OUR RESPONSE
Churches need to respond not only over issues of physical access, but in terms of means of communication. Hearing loops, sound enhancement, large-print service materials should be standard.
Examining attitudes may result in changing policies, practices and procedures.
Churches must make their services and facilities accessible to all, so that all can exercise their ministry, in committees, on social occasions, and in leading worship.
We make changes not just because of legal requirements, but because, for each other, we are filled with the compassion and healing concern of Christ.
THE DIOCESAN DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE
- Comprises a group of clergy and laity, with direct experience of, or professional interest in, the range of disability issues
- Is chaired by the Adviser
- Members are available for consultation and advice
Diocesan Adviser on Disability
Mrs Christine Todd
01208 816043, email christine@mjcmtodd.plus.com
or via Diocesan House
Available for general advice
or for training / evaluation sessions
Call for more information on 01872 274351
Links to other websites:
Local :
Disability Cornwall : 01736 756 655
Also home to Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL)
Cornwall Deaf Association: 01872 225868
Cornwall Blind Association: 01872 261 110
National Christian Organisations:
Through the Roof (provides wide range of material giving helpful advice for inclusive worship)
Torch Trust (non-denominational for blind and partially sighted; provides literature, fellowship and support)
Scripture Union (see Your Church, En:able section of website. Useful worship and teaching material especially for use with disabled children)
Churches for All (UK Christian Disability Partnership)
Causeway Prospects (working with people with a learning disability; residential provision, worship materials)
An excellent guide has been produced by Disability Cornwall, to give guidance on how to run an inclusive and accessible event.
Disability Cornwall (PDF 689.50kb)
Disability Quick Start Guide (PDF 276.20kb)
Disability Awareness Day leaflet 10 july 2011 (PDF 139.21kb)