Organising Members for Disability Equality

The current context for disabled people

The pandemic and lockdowns have had a hugely disproportionate impact on disabled people, as emergency responses of governments often fail to take disabled people’s lived experience and needs into account. In April 2020, Inclusion Scotland conducted a survey of 800 disabled people and carers, finding that 53% of respondents had experienced difficulties accessing food for themselves or those they care for, some due to shielding.

It is already widely acknowledged that households with a disabled person are more likely to face financial difficulty and poverty. In the early stages of the pandemic, Inclusion Scotland found that for 30% of respondents, social care support had stopped or reduced which left them in desperate situations.

These are grave and significant inequalities that affect so many of us – about one in five people in Scotland identify as disabled, but many fear the consequences of disclosure. We must also take stock of the fact that women are overrepresented as unpaid carers, and, that the issues for carers of disabled people will greatly affect a large proportion of the EIS membership, 77% of whom are women.

As a union we must stand in solidarity with one another and work together to ensure all voices are represented and that we organise for fairness for all.

Facilitating spaces for disabled members

The EIS has existing guidance in relation to reasonable adjustments, and during Covid19 we have produced guidance and advice for previously shielding members and risk assessments for vulnerable members. But, as we know that disabled members will face additional challenges at this time, it is important that our efforts are led by those with lived experience of being disabled – and that we facilitate spaces where disabled members can come together. A meeting on the 19th of January brought together near 30 members from across Scotland, who identify as disabled, or who have access or communication difficulties.

Prevailing discrimination

The EIS subscribes to the social model of disability which considers that “disability” is caused by societal barriers that are not considering people with certain needs or impairments. These barriers result in some people being excluded from many parts of society and from participating equally – if these barriers were removed a person would no longer experience disability due to their needs or impairment.

During the meeting, many disabled members noted their concerns that their reasonable adjustments were ignored during the pandemic, and that they felt unsafe going back to the workplace as blanket rules were often enforced with no consideration of those with disabilities.

Members identified a range of barriers to their equal participation, safety, and voice in the workplace. They described a post-code lottery of support depending on the manager, frequent undervaluing of their skills, as well as blatant discrimination – and called for a greater understanding of autism, in particular, among management and union representatives.

From an EIS perspective, as trade unionists, we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves in the pursuit of Fair Work for all, and to ensure we identify and appropriately address the barriers facing disabled people as part of our workplace negotiations.

Recognition for disabled teachers and lecturers

Worryingly, many disabled members felt that their lived experiences are not being recognised as valuable and supportive in teaching – they are experiencing being excluded, placed at the bottom of the list of priorities, and even, shockingly, asked to “rethink” their choice of teaching. Their voices shed an important focus on the work that remains to be done to highlight and celebrate the contributions of disabled members and encourage more to get involved with Union activity to advocate for themselves and others.

A discussion was held around ensuring meetings are accessible and the benefit of being able to organise online, but that there are many more members who could be involved who have not disclosed their disability. Many are uncomfortable to disclose their disability, including to the EIS, as it is not always clear what this information will be used for. To ensure members are comfortable disclosing their disability, we must give a strong message of support for disabled members and what we can achieve when we stand in solidarity.

“we need to improve understanding of disability issues and support, celebrate the important contributions disabled teachers and lecturers make to the profession, and champion greater awareness”

What’s next in our work towards disability equality?

The EIS currently has two informal member networks: the long-standing LGBT Network, and the newly established BAME Network. These Networks act as conduits for learning opportunities, as supportive spaces for people to link up, and as meeting fora to discuss important issues and as channels to have their voices heard within the Union.

The recent meeting of disabled members and members with communication difficulties, showed the solidarity and strength of our members, when they come together. And the message was clear – we need to improve understanding of disability issues and support, celebrate the important contributions disabled teachers and lecturers make to the profession, and champion greater awareness.

The EIS will continue to facilitate an informal network of disabled members, and plans to develop resources that respond to the need for greater awareness.

Equality considerations must be at the centre of our efforts as trade unionists; if not we risk missing out so many groups who are essential to making change. There is no Fair Work, without fair work for all.

If you are interested in joining the Disabled Members’ network, or contributing to this work in any way, please email cstarko@eis.org.uk.