Are we treating everyone with respect?

A sunrise casts a new light on a day, allowing us to choose to embrace the many shades of different stories that exist in our diverse society. Despite all the advocacy that seeks to enhance and facilitate accessibility in Australia, I believe those in a minority, including those living with a disability, are still in a constant battle and can often, unintentionally, be left behind. It makes me wonder why society seeks to fit everyone into a “normal” category and struggles to respond, to recognise or accept those who are different, or “not of the normal group”?
I have had the opportunity not only to meet, but also to work with, people who are otherwise “different.” Despite their challenges, their willingness to collaboratively make a change in their lives and their wellbeing is palpable. The disability community differs from the general population as it so often faces systemic barriers to social inclusion, leading to higher rates of discrimination, social isolation, and poorer health outcomes. We would become a better community where we promote a more inclusive sense of a collective identity, for accessible, equitable environments and organisational systems and structures that recognise and respond to diverse needs. This can help to challenge normative bias in the community and the medical model of disability in favour of a more inclusive, accepting social model. This can be assisted in our counselling work, through the therapeutic alliance, empathising, affirming inclusive practices and tailoring interventions with collaborative work, involving their families and support teams to promote a real sense of empowerment, independence, and wellbeing.
Reflecting on our personal approach to life, maybe we can all make small yet important changes in how we respond to people who are different:
* Reflect on our own judgments and biases;
* Recognise that those who are different are no less or more than us; and
* Treat all, however diverse or different, as we would like to be treated, and with respect and understanding.
Let’s start the conversation to improve the lives of everyone. I would love to hear your view on this.