ABSTRACT
Disability identity and diversity
Disability identity and disability diversity are two connected but distinct
concepts that highlight unique aspects of the experiences of individuals with disabilities in Australia. Disability identity is constructed in response to social interactions and is less stable than other social identity markers such as race, gender, and sexuality. Disability diversity, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of abilities and experiences that are valuable to organizations. In Australia, around 4 million people, or 18% of the population, have a disability, and people with
disabilities are less likely to participate in education, particularly higher education, and have lower labourforce participation and employment rates than those without impairments.
Disability can be regarded as an often-overlooked and misunderstood kind of
diversity. Disability studies encourage us to consider ability as a politicised notion
and to develop a deeper comprehension of exclusionary social structures, attitudes,
and behaviours. Disability identity is established in reaction to social encounters, and
it is less stable than markers of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Disability is a
form of diversity that should be embraced and valued in diversity, equality, and
inclusion (DEI) plans for corporations. According to a survey by Accenture,
organisations who thrive at disability employment and inclusion had 28 percent
higher sales and double the nett income of their competitors. In higher education,
disability has been reluctant to be acknowledged as an identity group or incorporated
in diversity and inclusion programming.
Here is a summary of the distinctions between disability identity and disability diversity overall:
| Disability Identity | Disability Diversity | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Disability identity is constructed in response to social interactions, and it is less stable than other social identity markers like race, gender, and sexuality. | Disability can be seen as a form of diversity that should be incorporated and prioritized in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion. |
| Components | Disability identity is a fluid and evolving concept that is shaped by the individual’s social interactions and experiences. | Disability diversity encompasses a wide range of abilities and experiences that are valuable to organizations, including the skills, perspectives, and problem-solving abilities of people with disabilities. |
| Significance | Disability identity is important because it allows individuals to understand themselves based on information reflected back to them from others. Disability is often overlooked and misunderstood, and recognizing it as an identity group can help to promote inclusion and understanding. | Disability diversity is significant because it enhances organizations by providing a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving abilities. Prioritizing disability inclusion can also lead to higher revenue and net income for companies. |
Here is a table summarizing the distinctions between disability identity and disability diversity in the context of Australia:
| Disability Identity | Disability Diversity | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Disability identity refers to how an individual perceives and comprehends their disability. It is influenced by both personal experiences and cultural perspectives on disability. | Disability diversity refers to the range of experiences and viewpoints of persons with disabilities, which can vary according to factors such as kind of disability, cultural background, and social standing. |
| Prevalence | In Australia, around 4 million people, or 18% of the population, have a disability [[2] (AIHW 2020)]. | Disability prevalence in Australia is measured by the number or proportion of the population living with a disability at a given time [[5] (AIHW 2022)]. |
| Education and Employment | In Australia, people with impairments are less likely to participate in education, particularly higher education, and have lower labour force participation and employment rates than those without impairments. | In Australia, prejudice can contribute to the lower education and employment rates for people with disabilities. Environmental and structural factors can also hinder the community participation of people with impairments [[3] (AIHW)]. [[1] (APM 2023)] Businesses that promote disability inclusion in the workplace can experience increased productivity and enhanced employee morale. |
| Social Model of Disability | The social model of disability recognises that disability results from the interaction between people with impairments and an environment containing physical, attitude, communication, and social limitations. [[4] (Disability Commission Royal 2021)]. | The social model of disability recognises that disability results from the interaction between people with impairments and an environment containing physical, attitude, communication, and social limitations. [[4] (Disability Commission Royal 2021)] |
| Discrimination | In Australia, those with disabilities who encounter prejudice are nearly twice as likely to report poorer health than those who do not. Discrimination can also result in poorer education, employment, and community participation rates for people with disabilities [[3] (AIHW)]. | The Australian Disability Royal Commission aims to study the distinctive experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse persons with disabilities to better comprehend violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people from varied backgrounds [(Disability Royal Commission 2021)]. |
Disability identity and disability diversity are two connected but distinct concepts that
highlight unique aspects of the experiences of Australians with impairments.
Disability diversity stresses the variety of experiences and viewpoints within the
larger disability community, whereas disability identification emphasises the self-perception and comprehension of the disabled individual. Discrimination and impediments to education, employment, and community participation continue to be important obstacles for persons with disabilities in Australia, but the need for
disability inclusion and accessibility in all parts of society is becoming increasingly apparent.
Authors: Brian Cooper and Dominic Golding