1.1. Define the terms:
- Equality
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Discrimination
Equality implies that individuals are treated fairly and according to what their needs and requirements are. When equality is considered, there should be a guarantee that everyone will be given equal chances at life regardless of their health condition, race, or sexual orientation.
For instance, there should be a braille imprint on all products and an interpreter for all programs so as to carry the visually- and hearing-impaired individuals along.
Diversity means understanding and accepting the differences between individuals and recognising the uniqueness of every person. Each and every individual is different and special in their own ways.
This means we are different in personality; we are different in culture; we are also different in how we see things. Examples of things that make us vary include our abilities and disabilities, backgrounds, languages, profession, and so on.
Inclusion, when incorporated into a system or a group, ensures that everyone, regardless of their differences, is treated as a part of that system or group. Inclusion has a close connection with equality and diversity because when these are in place, inclusion will come to play automatically.
If an individual is left out of an activity or decision because the participants do not see them as one of them, the individual will feel left out and unimportant. This is what inclusion is against.
Discrimination is a situation whereby people are treated differently due to stereotyping, prejudice or labelling. It means treating people inversely because of certain traditions or expectations about a certain group of people due to their differences. There are different attitudes and manners in the society that can lead to an individual being plagued or deprived.
Health and social care workers must ensure that all individuals are treated as individuals based on their uniqueness, that no service user is superior to another, that they are included in their own care, and that some of them are not denied their rights.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2. Explain how rights are promoted in health and social care services.
- 1.3. Discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise when balancing individual rights and duty of care
- 2.1. Explain how to promote equality and support diversity.
- 2.2. Describe how to challenge those not working inclusively in a way that promotes change
- 2.3. Explain how to support others in promoting equality and rights
- 3.1. Summarise legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity, inclusion and discrimination.
- 4.1. Evaluate the role of the health and social care practitioner in meeting individuals’ needs through inclusive practice