Principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in adult social care settings free essay sample

Diversity means difference. Diversity recognises that though people have things in common they are also different and unique in other ways. Diversity is about recognising these differences and valuing them. Diversity is in the form of visible bind, non-visible differences which include personal characteristics such as background, culture, personality and race disability, age, gender belief and religion. By understanding these differences and celebrating them we can create an environment where everyone feels valued. Equality is a way of treating everybody in an appropriate way that suits their needs without showing them up and treating them worse than another. People are given equal opportunities which gives them access to the same rights, choices, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or cultural background. Inclusion means that everybody regardless of their gender, race, age sexual orientation, religious belief or cultural background would be accepted and included. E. G a white group would welcome and allow a black or Asian person into their activities or allowing a person on a wheelchair to join a dance group with their children that have not got any disabilities. 1. 2 The effects of discrimination on an individual could low the self-esteem, the individual can show signs of anger or violence towards others. It may lead to self-harm and very low moods. The individual can feel very isolated and different to others. The effect on the individuals family and friends can be just as bad as they can also feel angry and upset. They may become isolated from the community from trying to protect their member of family. Those who discriminate others often do this because they have been discriminated against themselves, are unhappy about their own lives or have seen people close to them discriminate against others. They may also believe that they are not doing anything wrong and need to be educated on this and shown how their actions can upset others. 1. 3 Inclusive practice is about the attitudes and strategies taken to ensure that people are not excluded or isolated. It means supporting diversity by accepting and welcoming people’s differences, and promoting equality by ensuring equal opportunities for all aspects of diversity. Having a sound awareness of and responding sensitively to an individuals diverse need supports them in developing a sense of belonging, wellbeing and confidence in their identity and abilities. 2. 1 These include equality act, human rights act, essential standards and codes of practice. The Human Right Act 1998- covers many different types of discrimination, including some that are not covered by other discrimination laws. The Equal Pay Act 1970 (1984)- says that women must be paid the same as men when they are doing the same job. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005- this act makes it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of sex, marital status or gender reassignment. It applies when recruiting and when deciding term and conditions that should be offered to an employee as well as when decisions are made about who should be promoted, transferred or receive training. The Race Relation Act 1976- this act gives public authorities a statutory duty to promote race quality. 2. 2 The consequences of not complying with legislation and codes of practice could be any of the following: -verbal warning -written warning -suspension -termination of employment -police interview -criminal conviction. 2. 3 There is nothing wrong with having own beliefs, but we need to be aware of them, and how they affect what work we do. You could be believe honest is always the best policy- if someone has lied to you, how would you treat them. You may respect others and believe everyone deserve respect, but be careful how you react if they are not respecting you, as you could be seen of discriminating them. 2. 4 It is important to remember this as you show that you accept diversity, you should respond to people in a respectful way. It makes you feel more valued, good practice is protecting people from discrimination and exclusion. 2. 5 Inclusive practice means that you provide for the diverse needs of all of your individuals so that they can feel they are included and wanted. If you are catered only for those who for examples can speak English or are able bodied then others attending would not feel included. 3. 1 I should never ignore or excuse such discriminatory behaviour any more than you would ignore or excuse someone if they inflicted physical pair on someone else. If you do not respond and just let the incident pass, you are contributing to the person feeling that it is acceptable to speak or behaviour that way. To promote change you need to change people’s attitude toward others races, sexuality or religion. 3. 2 You can rise awareness of equality through communication by ensuring that opportunities are open to everyone regardless of abilities or disabilities, race, gender, sexuality etc. You can rise awareness of diversity through communication by ensuring that everybody understands and needs are met. 3. 3 Encourage others to promote inclusion, equality and diversity, by understanding the different needs of everybody whether they are employees or customers or the many others groups that my organisation comes into contact with.