People with disabilities often encounter challenges and obstacles more frequently than those without disabilities. Barriers can prevent individuals with disabilities from gaining employment or fully participating in a workplace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), barriers are “factors in a person’s environment that, through their absence or presence, limit functioning and create disability.” These can include:
- Inaccessible Physical Environments: Buildings or spaces that are not designed to accommodate people with disabilities.
- Lack of Assistive Technology: Absence of tools or devices that support daily living or job functions.
- Negative Attitudes: Prejudices or misconceptions about disability.
- Ineffective Services, Systems, and Policies: Procedures or regulations that hinder full participation.
Common types of barriers include:
Communication Barriers: These occur when information is not accessible to everyone due to how it is presented. People with sensory disabilities (e.g., hearing loss, low vision), intellectual or cognitive disabilities, or those who face difficulties in receiving and sending information may be affected. This will be explored further in Sessions Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.
Organizational Barriers: These include discriminatory procedures, practices, or policies within an organization. For example, a hiring process that does not accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Attitudinal Barriers: These involve behaviours, perceptions, and assumptions that lead to discrimination. Misunderstandings, prejudices, and outdated beliefs about people with disabilities often contribute to this issue. These attitudes were discussed in Sessions Two and Three.
Physical Barriers: These relate to the design and layout of physical spaces, such as:
- Steps and stairways
- Exterior surfaces and curbs
- Building entrances and exits (including emergency escape routes)
- Toilet and washing facilities
- Floor coverings
- Furniture and other moveable items
- Addressing these barriers is crucial for creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.
