MODULE 1: It’s normal to be different
What is equity? Equity is not the same as equality. Equity, in a nutshell, is fairness. Equi- ty means ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need and can assume the responsibility for reaching their full potential (SALTO-YOUTH Inclusion, 2014). Equity also takes unfair difference into account in order to ensure a fair process and ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome. Equi- ty recognises that some people are at a greater disadvantage than others, and tries to create an even playing field by providing with extra support (even if that means unequal distribu- tion of resources). Equity supports the ongo- ing inclusion process. Reflection: What can be done in youth projects to achieve more equity for participants with disabilities? (For example, the following support measures can be put in place: Easy project formats - those that are rela- tively accessible for, e.g., first-timers
Extra funding - for accessibility needs or to cover the cost of extra mentoring, person- al assistants or assistive devices Additional support - language support, advance planning visits to the host organ- isation, additional group leaders, etc.) Input: A common misconception is that providing accessibility is the same as being inclusive. It’s not. Accessibility is a necessary step towards inclusion, but it is not a substitute. Accessibil- ity is, in fact, the bare minimum required to allow people with disabilities to participate as equals in society. As one disability activist puts it, “Access is great but it’s not everything. I’ve been to many accessible places with a bad at- titude.” Here are some examples of attitudinal barriers è Factsheet 1.4. Inclusion means respect for the needs of every individual. To achieve the genuine inclusion of people with disabilities, it is important to cre-
ate an environment that enables them to en- joy full participation, and to eliminate ableist attitudes ingrained in society.
An example of ableism is a so-called “inspira- tion porn”. If you haven’t yet seen Stella Young’s video about it, please click here: I am Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw While it is a common belief that people with disabilities must overcome their disabilities or the effects of their impairments, many people with disabilities themselves see ableism in so- ciety as the main barrier to inclusion. Activity: This debate-like exercise will help you to reflect actively on disability and inclusion, uncover stereotypes about disability, and develop re- spect for different opinions and test empathy. è Activity 1.5. of a workforce. Multicultural policies catering uniquely to minority ethnic groups are increas- ingly being replaced by a more mainstream focus on difference in general. Diversity is seen as something that everyone can share in. Everyone wants to be diverse in the sense that they are unique and stand out from the crowd. There are many dimensions of diversity, in- cluding age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, lan- guage, culture, religion, social class, disability and sexual orientation. Activity: Applause to Identities This energiser shows that there is more to an identity than labels, types of disability or per- ceived roles and genders. Also useful to pre- pare for a discussion on intersectionality. è Activity 1.6.
Inclusion = accessibility + equity + attitudes + participation + non-discrimination
Ableism is discriminatory, oppressive, abusive behaviour arising from the belief that disabled people are inferior to others
is a form of oppression much like racism, sexism or homophobia
is institutionalised discrimination or per- sonal prejudice often happens on an unconscious level.
3. A reflection on normality, diversity and intersectionality Input: Normality
Equality versus equity
Our perception of what is normal has trans- formed over time. So-called “normality” is de- fined by people with power in a certain setting. The term reduces people to a few selected characteristics without taking into account the whole person including their different identi- ties. Inclusion, however, calls for a paradigm shift towards a society in which diversity is the accepted norm. 10 Diversity Diversity reflects the make-up of contempo- rary societies. It spans a range of ethnic, reli- gious and cultural identities and a multitude of physical, sensory, intellectual and mental abilities and sexual orientations. For some people, diversity may be a social fact; for oth- ers, it may be the desired outcome of a specific policy, such as efforts to increase the diversity
by Craig Froehle Also interesting: https://culturalorganizing.org/the-problem-with-that-equity-vs-equality-graphic/
10 cf. IJAB (ed.)(2017): VISION:INKLUSION - An inclusion strategy for international youth work
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