Many people have an emotional response to disability, based on fear or pity.
They may have entrenched attitudes based on prejudice or previous negative (or
positive) experiences. For this reason, it may be harder to change attitudes and
behaviours relating to disability than on other issues. The presentation of
staff development by people with disability and the involvement of students can
have a powerful impact and in itself can help to challenge entrenched attitudes.
Disability-awareness training can be
provided by most disability organisations but should, if possible, be
integrated into the university’s own professional development programs. Any disability training is much more effective if it is conducted by or with a person with disability.
High workloads will sometimes get in the way of staff training, as will
negative attitudes to disability. Strong leadership is crucial if
cultural change is to occur. A number of on-line training packages are available, but these are most
effective when combined with experiential training, once again preferably
conducted by a person with disability.