New UK research shows one-third of young people uncomfortable meeting a disabled person

From yourable.com in the UK:

Research released by St Dunstan's, the national charity offering lifelong support to visually impaired ex-Service men and women, has revealed that a third of young people would feel uncomfortable meeting somebody with a disability.

The survey, conducted by Dubit on behalf of St Dunstan's, found that for 32% of 11 to 18 year olds, the idea of meeting somebody disabled provoked feelings of apprehension or concern. This was most apparent among the younger group of 11 to 14 year olds, 35% of who expressed apprehension, compared to 28% of 15 to 18 year olds.

This fear of disability is perhaps partially explained by the fact that 79% of 11 to 18 year olds have never met a disabled person, although, encouragingly, nearly half (43%) said that they would like to learn more about disability.

St Dunstan's is eager to address this lack of understanding and the stigma that surrounds disability for many young people, and has developed a nationwide interactive education programme aimed at challenging misconceptions and giving
unique insight into the reality of living with visual impairment.

The St Dunstan's Schools Education Programme offers pupils the opportunity
to meet and engage with a St Dunstaner and learn firsthand about the realities of living with a disability.

Catherine Hutchinson, St Dunstan's Education Project Officer said: "Negative attitudes towards disabled people can often arise when able bodied people have limited experience of meeting and interacting with them, so we were concerned to discover just how many young people said they didn't know anybody with a disability. We hope that programmes like the St Dunstan's Schools Education Programme, which enables pupils to engage with people with visual impairments and other disabilities, can help young people to overcome this sense of apprehension and enhance their understanding and acceptance of disability."

Peter Farrington, Primary Headteacher of the Year in the South, said: "I know from experience that when young people meet others with disabilities in their normal daily life, they very soon learn to understand and respect their strengths and the barriers they encounter. Therefore, initiatives like St Dunstan's Schools Education Programme are very important in helping teachers to enhance understanding of disability among their pupils. The inspiring St Dunstaners that young people are able to meet through the programme can teach them understanding, compassion and instill a sense of respect for members of the community living with disabilities."

The programme, which has been running for four years is free to schools and was developed in consultation with teachers. Students at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 are presented with unique lesson content, delivered by a St Dunstaner, that fits within the science, history, citizenship or SEAL curriculum.