Discrimination Against Disabled Individuals Common in Day-to-Day Existence, According to Survey Results - Prevalence of Discrimination Against Disabled Individuals in Daily Life Revealed by Survey Results
In a recent survey conducted by the market research institute Ipsos, it was revealed that discrimination against disabled people is a persistent issue in daily life. The survey, which took place between June 16 and July 2, was based in Bonn, Germany.
The survey participants reported experiencing unfair treatment, fewer opportunities, discriminatory language, and lack of accessibility. One in ten respondents even reported negative experiences online, primarily encountering offensive or derogatory messages.
A significant number of respondents, over 40 percent, admitted they did not know how to defend themselves against discrimination. Moreover, many chose to do nothing about it due to the belief that it wouldn't help or out of fear of causing more problems.
The survey findings were a cause for concern, with more than a quarter of the participants stating that discrimination is a constant problem in their lives. This problem extends beyond personal encounters, affecting the structural aspects of society as well.
The survey results were met with an appeal from Aktion Mensch spokeswoman, Christina Marx. She called upon the state, society, and every individual to strive for equal and discrimination-free coexistence. Marx emphasised the need for the removal of barriers and the enforcement of relevant laws, with half of the survey participants advocating for harsher penalties in such cases.
Moreover, the survey revealed that over a third of the respondents had at some point felt that they weren't good enough due to discriminatory experiences. This, in turn, led to almost a quarter either withdrawing socially or blaming themselves.
While the specific findings and proposed solutions from this Aktion Mensch survey are not yet available, it is known that the organisation typically focuses on promoting inclusion, accessibility, awareness-raising, and policy changes to ensure equality and remove barriers in education, work, and public life. The survey results were reported as news, indicating the ongoing effort to address this issue.
- In addressing the issue of persistent discrimination against disabled people, it is crucial to implement comprehensive community and employment policies that promote inclusivity and accessibility, especially within the realms of science, health-and-wellness, and mental health.
- As mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, it is essential for these policies to prioritize mental health support and resources for those experiencing discrimination, providing them with the tools and knowledge to defend themselves and foster their self-worth.