Promote Equality and Inclusion in Health & Social Care

(3:1.1) Define the following terms:

Diversity:
Diversity literally means difference. Even though people have things in common with each other they are also different in all sorts of ways. The diversity may be visible and non-visible, for example, personal characteristics like background, religion, culture, personality, age, gender, disability, size, accent, language and so on. When diversity is used as a contrast or addition to equality, it is about recognising differences between people, treating them as individuals, and putting positive light on diversity in the workplace.

Equality:
Irrespectively to what is your background, religion, culture, personality, age, gender, disability, size, accent, language everyone should be treated the same/fairly and their human rights should be respected. Equality is to give all people equal opportunities, fair access to jobs, training, goods and services. Is creating an environment in which enables everyone to have the same chance to develop their talents and enhance potentials. Equality means everyone can participate in those created opportunities eliminating discrimination and prejudice.

Inclusion:
Inclusion is about giving equal access and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance, it is taking action to remove barriers to participation and to do so all peoples’ needs and what they can offer need to be taken into account. Inclusion means that everyone has the opportunity to have a chance to participate (be included) in everything they wish to and be engaged in social activities.

(3:1.2) What is discrimination, and what are the potential effects on a service user’s life?

Discrimination is an unfavourable opinion, attitude or feeling towards members of a particular group that leads to less favourable or bad treatment of these people in the same or similar circumstances. For example some aspect of personal appearance, size, and personal likes or other characteristics like being refused a job because of sexual orientation or limited access to health care because of disability. Discrimination can be in the form of repeated mistreatment, verbal abuse, threats, humiliation, or intimidating behaviour. We can distinguish two main ways of discriminating: direct where person is treated less favourably or service they receive is a lower standard then others, and indirect occurs when a set of conditions is used equally to all people but results in less favourable treatment of some people, as they find it more difficult, or impossible, to obey or achieve.

Institutional discrimination happens when workers that are different (very old or young, other race) are a subject to constant checks/observation or supervision because of stereotype that they may do more mistakes than ‘normal’ worker or difficulty in accessing information because of language barrier. I think the only way to remove it is introducing of legislation which highlights social rights rather than individual needs. Harassment is a way of discriminating and means participating in, allowing or encouraging behaviour that offends someone or creates a hostile atmosphere, and victimising is another way of discriminating, it is treating someone less favourably because they have complained or been involved in a complaint about racial discrimination.

Discrimination can lead to extremely negative mental and physical health consequences such as frustration, stress, anxiety, depression, possible nervous breakdown, or high blood pressure that can cause heart attacks. Effects of discrimination physically and emotionally: depression, anger, loss of self-esteem, isolation, feeling stressed or unable to cope. The long-term effects could include: loss of motivation, reduced individual rights, restricted opportunities, limited access to services, mental illness caused by stress.

(3:1.3) Explain how inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity

Inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity by treating all people as equals, treating them fairly and respecting their human rights. By being inclusive I accept everyone regardless of their differences and respect them, value the contribution they make and work in a person centred way to ensure that their individualism is recognised and respected. To make sure that I work in an inclusive way that support diversity I put service user in the centre of planning their care, giving them plenty of opportunities to choose preferred way of support. For example when working with service user I always make sure that I give then opportunities to express them-selves or change their mind.

I follow legal requirements of the Care Standards Act and I meet those requirements within my role and aim to improve on these. I make sure I know my clients preferences and wishes and not make presumptions on stereotypes like if service user is old he doesn’t have to be blind and deaf. I promote the independence of the people I work with and I encourage them to become empowered, I ask their opinions, support them to speak-up and listen to what they have to say. I remove barriers when travelling, which means I make sure that when service user want to go somewhere I organise accessible transport (taxi, train) and acquire about the access to the property/attractions ensuring they provide ramps or lift.