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Telling it as it is
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CREATING GOOD PR & A VISIBLE PROFILE OF YOUR NETWORK
Society won't change on its own. It only changes when large sections of society want change. As people with disabilities, as Networks of people with Disabilities and as PwDI, one our primary objectives is that we want to use our influence to bring about the social change necessary to allow us full and equal participation. You know best what your needs are your contribution to the process of change will make it more effective. Social change can happen through changes in the attitudes and behaviours of individuals and through change in laws, policies and services. To change attitudes and behaviours, people need to know about you, your needs and what you have to offer and contribute to your community, society and the world. To change society's formal structures, we need to make sure that law and policy-makers, as well as service-providers, know not only about our needs but also our ideas for solving problems.
One thing to remember is that the traditional stereotyped images of people with disabilities have been a major barrier to the understanding of disability issues by the general public and policy-makers. The structures and attitudes of society are the problem.
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Some Action Ideas
- Arrange of phone-in talk shows on local radio programmes to encourage community debate on disability issues, to change stereotyped views of people with disabilities and promote solutions of benefit to all.
- What about short talks by people with disabilities at local schools and community groups during National Disability Awareness Week in May and on the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December.
Who to Influence at Local Level
Who
Local Authorities, Town Planners, Civil Servants, Public Representatives etc.
Why
To influence local by-laws and budgets and to formalise change.
Who
Members and other people with disabilities
Why
To raise awareness through community leaders and for specific action: e.g. accessible schools and churches, a local radio programme on disability accessible health services etc.
Who
Professionals in education, health, welfare, business, law, media, trade unions, Religious leaders etc...
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Who to Influence on National Level
Who
Ministers & Civil Servants
Why
To influence national laws, regulations and programmes
Who
Other statutory authorities; health, housing, transport, etc
Why
To influence their policies and practices and for specific action, such as community-based facilities, accessible housing and transport systems, etc.
Who
Disability organisations, other voluntary and community organisations, trade unions, Partnership Companies etc.
Why
For support in campaigns
Who
Associations of professionals: Architects, Teachers, etc
Why
To change their policies and practices to include the real needs of people with disabilities and to get their support in raising awareness.
Who
General public
Why
To raise awareness of disability issues and to show that we are part of the general public.
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