Website Rationale and Aims

This website is being developed by Andy Tyerman, a retired consultant clinical neuropsychologist.  This is a response to the World Health Organisation call or urgent action to reduce health inequities for persons with disability, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006).   

The website was also prompted by many reports of disability discrimination in clinical psychology training/practice, as well as in the experience of running a brain injury vocational rehabilitation programme and of service management in the NHS.  This indicates a lack of awareness of disability rights under the Equality Act and responsibilities of health professionals under the UNCRPD to raise awareness, promote and support the rights of persons with disability.  

As a result of often inadvertent discriminatory practices, health professionals are at risk of complaints, disciplinary action, legal claims and regulatory body sanction,  particularly with strengthening of HCPC and other standards.  The resources (outlined below) are not however specific to psychology or to the NHS, with much wider application:    The website has the following aims: 

1. To raise awareness of disability discrimination and promote equity.  
2. To provide basic information on disability rights and the Equality Act.   
3. To assist practitioners in reviewing their current practice. 
4. To signpost practitioners to guidance relevant to their practice.   

Whilst the initial focus is to reduce discrimination, resources are relevant to those who have experienced discrimination. The recommended reading includes guidance for service-users, employees & students/trainees.             

The website includes information on disability rights, access to a Disability Discrimination Awareness Questionnaire (DDAQ) and five current Disability Discrimination Practice Checklists (DDPCs) (for practitioners, service managers, course tutors, vocational/employment specialists and assistants). Whilst the DDAQ and DDPCs alone promote awareness and good practice, other action and recommended reading both for practitioners and to pass to service users, trainees and employees are also included (see outlines below).  Based on the response to the above resources, related training materials are planned.  

Feedback:  

As the website and resources (summarised below) are new, any feedback would be very welcome, particularly any lack of clarity, any concerns about accuracy or any suggestions of other content. If you find the resources helpful, please share this with your colleagues.  Please contact me with any feedback, suggestions or if interested in assisting with further developments.    

NB The resources do not provide legal advice. See full disclaimer below.