Over One-Third of British Population Cannot Name a Famous Disabled Person

Scope, the national disability organisation, has surveyed the British public to test their attitudes towards disabled people. Despite the achievements of Home Secretary David Blunkett, Professor Stephen Hawking and sportsperson Tanni Grey-Thompson, 36 per cent of those questioned in a YouGov survey could not name one single famous disabled person. 14/06/2004

 

Two-thirds of those questioned believe it is acceptable for a non-disabled person to play the part of a disabled person in drama or film, despite it being generally considered highly offensive for a white actor to play the part of a black person today.

Scope argues that it is time to challenge this level of ignorance and prejudice and is calling for equality for disabled people who, at 10 million people, make up one of the largest minority groups still discriminated against in the UK today. As part of its drive to counter this, the charity launches a national advertising campaign, featuring disabled people telling their own stories and simply asking to be treated like other people.

The YouGov survey was carried out as part of Scope's Time to Get Equal campaign, which has the backing of Nelson Mandela, Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Home Secretary David Blunkett, Scope Patron Cherie Booth QC, former US President Bill Clinton and all the main political parties. Scope is calling for an end to disablism - discrimination against disabled people.

Some results were more positive: 87 per cent of people questioned by YouGov said that disabled people should have equal rights with non-disabled people and 40 per cent felt there aren't enough disabled people on television. However, when asked what they might do themselves to tackle the issue, responses were disappointing: 60 per cent were opposed to paying an extra supplement on council tax to ensure all public transport was accessible to disabled people. Scope has found that over 50 per cent of disabled people still face difficulties using public transport, keeping them excluded from society.

- To be part of the campaign to change people's attitudes and work towards a more inclusive and equal society, visit the Time to Get Equal website at: www.timetogetequal.org.uk
- For further information on Scope's see www.scope.org.uk

- For a full copy of the YouGov report go to www.yougov.com

Related Articles

• The Size and Burden of Mental Disorders in Europe
• Adrenoleukodystrophy: Two Children Saved
• Poverty and Discrimination Are on the Rise