Social model of disability - diving with disability

[clockworkdog]

I'm curious to know how many diving organisations (particularly in the UK) are up to speed with Single Equality Schemes and have documented their consideration of the six strands of diversity. Have any?

How many are trying to educate their members about disability and explaining things like the social model of disability?

If anyone has knowledge on this then I would be grateful to receive some feedback.

Best rgds

Andy

[Adrian Kelland]

Andy,

I know that the BSAC Accessibility Officer Mike Halligan has mentioned the Social Model in preference to the Medical Model in discussions on the BSAC forums. However I have never heard of the six strands of diversity. It could be that they are built in to our methods without specific mention - I have no idea.

If you want to discuss anything related with him, you can contact he either via the BSAC forum or Diving Group - BSAC

Adrian

[clockworkdog]

Originally Posted by Adrian Kelland

Andy,

I know that the BSAC Accessibility Officer Mike Halligan has mentioned the Social Model in preference to the Medical Model in discussions on the BSAC forums. However I have never heard of the six strands of diversity. It could be that they are built in to our methods without specific mention - I have no idea.

That's fantastic to hear that it is being considered. It would be nice to make the model more familiar to the members in general.

Single equality schemes considering the `six strands of diversity' are fairly recent things. Put very simply, if one fails to consider each strand (age, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, faith & religion and disability) when formulating a policy / strategy etc., then you stand a very good chance of discriminating against part of your community. In the case of public bodies this is now illegal. How much this applies to sports associations is questionable in terms of legal implications, but morally the reasons for considering these issues are just as strong.

Thanks for the info.

Andy

[Adrian Kelland]

Clubs applying for grants or becoming CASCs will usually have to supply their constitution for inspection. Phrases regarding non-discrimination on the 6 items are looked for.

Unfortunately it is far to easy to write something with really thinking about what it implies and, more importantly, mean what they say.

Adrian

[clockworkdog]

[quote=Adrian Kelland]Unfortunately it is far to easy to write something with really thinking about what it implies and, more importantly, mean what they say.
[quote]

Agreed.

Stock phrases are a bit of a waste of time. That's why a written strategy / policy explaining exactly how each has been considered and exactly how it affects the policy goes much further. It then gives something specific against which practice and performance can be measured against.

The problem is that this requires a very good level of understanding on the subject and is very time consuming if done properly. An organisation may be in a far better position to implement this in relation to corporate policy as opposed to each member club who may be better off simply complying with the requirements.

The effectiveness of all this will still always be down to individual attitudes though. Policy must of course be followed by education.

Andy

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by clockworkdog

age, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, faith & religion and disability

Heck I run the risk of discriminating against myself with a list like that.

[clockworkdog]

Originally Posted by nigelH

Heck I run the risk of discriminating against myself with a list like that.

:-) we are a diverse community....

[Daz217]

post deleted was ranting and it's pointless.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Daz217

Why is it that this sort of nonsense permeates every aspect of our lives. Why do we need to consider this at all? Who cares if someone is black/white/asian/abled/disabled/gay/straight/bearded/clean shaven etc etc etc. I DON'T CARE. If someone wants to dive and are not medically unfit where is the problem. A Diver is a Diver regardless of age,sex,colour or religion. Sure there are bigots but iv'e never met a Diver who i would put in that class. Why spend hours and hours writing down how it should be done so we can all be dictated to so as not to offend anyone or discriminate against there sensibilities. You can't do anything anymore without feeling like you are walking on eggshells besides having well intentioned idiots telling you how to run your life and i'm sick of it.Political correctness gone made i tell you.
It's bad enough that i have to put up with it 10 hours a day at work and when i come home i find it has invaded and diseased my hobby as well

Yep what's said here.. all this PC is becoming a real pain if you want to dive then dive who needs all this bull shit

[purple vonny]

Maybe it seems like the world's gone mad, and sometimes I agree, it has. But it is not that long ago since single mothers and those with mild learning disabilities were locked in psychiatric hospitals, some of them stayed there for their whole lives. Now look, they live freely and can go diving. We have a better awareness now of how to treat everyone with respect.

Unfortunately, and in my experience of diversity and equality training, it does seem rather over-zealous sometimes. Although the awareness of potential discrimination is very important, I for one maintain my sense of humour when people joke about me being old, female and quite deaf. Those with more profound problems may easily lose their sense of humour.

It is difficult to judge what is funny and what is insulting, as the one legged fin post, this morning, illustrated.

It also raises the question of diving groups like GLUG ( gay and lesbian underwater group)- are they being descriminating? I know they are not because they accept non-gay members . But the name suggests that they discriminate.

Such a can of worms.

Diversity and equality training is, IMVHO, a very good thing. Most of us would think so if we were, through circumstances, disadavantaged or in a minority, that excluded us from doing what others take for granted. I don't think you can argue with that and that is what diversity awareness is all about.