Service User Perspectives: Why social inclusion is important from a disabled person's perspective

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should be more aware of what social inclusion means and how you might promote this for disabled people.

Disability is a social division. The idea that disabled people are somehow ill and therefore need help, rather than empowering them to become independent, is a common assumption and one that can perpetuate the discrimination this group faces.

In the following video, Lucy, a disabled service user herself, talks about what social inclusion means to her and why it is so significant.

Reflective Questions

  1. Why do you think disabled people suffer discrimination in spite of the services available to them?
  2. What impact has the medical vs. social model had on social inclusion?
  3. How can you as an individual promote the social inclusion of disabled service users?
  4. Do you think events such as the Paralympics Games promote or hinder social inclusion of disabled people?