There are two different types of Disability Training:
- Disability Awareness Training
- Disability Equality Training
Disability Awareness Training (DAT) takes a medical model approach to disability and usually focuses on the individual impairment and shortcomings. Often participants are given an artificial impression of what it is like to have a disability through simulation exercises, for example putting people in wheelchairs. This approach can invoke feelings of pity towards disabled people. The trainer often is able bodied and may have no personal experience of disability.
Disability Equality Training (DET) takes a social model approach to disability and explores the concept of people being 'dis-abled' by the barriers and attitudes within society rather than blaming the individual or impairment. The removal of organisational barriers and the changing of attitudes is explored. It is unlikely that simulation exercises will be used, as the focus is towards a positive approach to disability. The training should be provided by a person with personal experience of disability.
We believe that disability equality training is the only meaningful type of disability training and for this reason we only provide disability equality training with a positive and constructive approach.