• Diversity Diversity means difference, it recognises that although people have things in common with eachother, it also means people are unique and different in many ways. Diversity is about recognising and valuing those differences, it therefore consists of visible and non-visible factors which include personal characteristics such as culture, personality, work style and background that are protected under discrimination legislation in terms of disability, race, gender, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age.
By recognising and understanding our individual differences and embracing them, and moving beyond simple tolerance, we can create a productive environment in which everybody feels valued.• Equality Equality means treating people in a way that is appropriate for their needs. For Example, if John Jones who is unable to walk far wants to board the plane, it would be no good saying to him “You have the same stairs as everybody else.” What is needed is a way of getting him on the plane that will suit his needs without showing him up and treating him in a way that is worse than other people.• Inclusion Inclusion is about equal opportunities for everybody, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.
It pays particular attention to the provision made for different groups of people.2.The potential effects of discrimination can be different for different people. The effects can be physical, emotional or a combination of both. For example children with disabilities may not be given a chance to join in with activities due to others thinking that their disability prevents them from being able to do so. This will make the child feel very different from others.
Other possible effects are: * Feeling isolated* Low self esteem* Depression* Fear of rejection* Stress* Low self worth* Feeling withdrawn from society* Humiliation* Weight loss/ gain* Fear* Anger Long term effects may be:* Loss of motivation* Restricted opportunities* Limited access to services* Long term depression* Increased behaviour problems* Difficulty communicating* Lack of education* Lack of achievementThe effects listed above are not only ones that affect the individual child/young person; they are effects that can be experienced by the individuals family and friends too. The individuals family can become isolated from society through trying to protect their child and will often experience verbal abuse for having a family member that is perceived to be different. Family members can sometimes feel embarrassed about the shame the victimised individual brings to them and may distance themselves from the individual. Those who discriminate others often do so because they have been discriminated against themselves, are unhappy or because they have watched people close to them discriminate against others and are copying and responding to their actions. People that discriminate against others sometimes end up being isolated as many members of society disagree with it and make a stand against those who victimise others.
3. All practitioners must promote equality of opportunity and a positive attitude towards diversity, whether or not there is a diverse population locally. Independent settings must consider how to encourage people to acquire respect for their own and other cultures in a way that promotes understanding and community cohesion.Practitioners should be aware that everyone has different experiences, interests, skills and knowledge which affect their ability to learn. Providers have obligations under legislation, including the amended Race Relations Act and the Disability Discrimination Act, and should ensure practitioners are aware of the importance of these obligations. Race relations legislation makes it a duty to eliminate unlawful racial discrimation and to promote equality and good relations between people of different racial groups.
Disability Discrimination legislation expresses a duty not to treat disabled people less favourable than others and to make reasonable adjustments to include them.
