The Disability Pride movement encourages people to be proud of their own identity and stand up against discrimination. Many people with disabilities suffer from feelings of inferiority and shame due to experiences of discrimination. They often suffer from ableism, meaning the systematic discrimination and devaluation of people with disabilities. Disability Pride Month provides an opportunity to counter this by encouraging people to be proud of themselves and educating people about their rights. Disability Pride Month has its origins in the United States, where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. The Act strengthened the rights of persons with disabilities and was the cause of the first Disability Pride event.
Vienna Health Association: Commitment to Inclusion
At the Vienna Health Association, 35 disability representatives are available to help employees with disabilities and chronic illnesses with questions and concerns. They ensure equality and participation for all employees. Denise Holley, Disability Representative at the Hietzing Clinic, emphasizes the importance of reducing prejudices against people with disabilities: “Companies need to be brave enough to hire people with disabilities. They often have prejudices that disability can be a barrier in the workplace. However, I know from personal experience that employees with disabilities are more motivated and do better work. The Vienna Health Association is committed to living these values in everyday work and creating an inclusive work environment.
Diversity as a success factor
Studies show that companies that encourage diversity in their teams are more innovative and creative. Different perspectives and experiences make it possible to better understand the needs of patients, residents and relatives and develop appropriate solutions. Zeynep Arslan, Gender and Diversity Officer of the Vienna Health Association, emphasizes the individuality of each person: “People are different in their needs, interests and needs. Everyone has the right to equal treatment and to resist discrimination. We are all characterized by different characteristics of diversity, and we all have different biases and prejudices. It is important to act sensitively and inclusively, especially in a professional environment, when working with and for people.
Additional information:
Gender and Diversity in the Vienna Health Society:
https://gesundheitsverbund.at/gender-und-diversitaet-im-wiener-gesundheitsverbund/
Representatives of the Vienna Health Association for the Disabled:
https://themen.gesundheitsverbund.at/alle/Beauftragungen/Seiten/Behindertenvertrauensperson.aspx
People with disabilities in the Vienna Health Association:
https://gesundheitsverbund.at/menschen-mit-behinderung-im-wiener-gesundheitsverbund/
People should pay attention to:
https://gesundheitsverbund.at/im-mittelpunkt-muss-immer-der-mensch-stehen/
proof’s
www.behindertenrat.at/2022/07/juli-ist-disability-pride-month/
