Majority of Romanians Express Anxiety over Unintentionally Offending Individuals with Disabilities, According to Research
New and Improved Article:
Title: Society's Misaligned Perceptions and Fears: A Deep Dive into the Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities in Romania
Hey there! Let's talk about a recent study conducted by CED Romania and Accenture, with the support of AccessibleEU. This study sheds light on the societal perceptions and the integration of individuals with disabilities in Romania. It's called "A Family of Millions," a national initiative aimed at raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities.
This study, for the first time in Romania, analyzes three perspectives: those of people without disabilities, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. The results are alarming, revealing a significant misalignment between societal expectations and the actual needs of individuals with disabilities.
According to the study, when meeting a person with disabilities for the first time, half of Romanians without disabilities want to be helpful, but fear causing offense (66%) is a leading concern. People without disabilities believe that providing state support (68%) and psychological counseling (66%) are top priorities for individuals with disabilities. However, the study found that people with disabilities prioritize social activities (82%) and cultural and recreational activities (72%) as essential elements for a quality life.
Interestingly, while 85% of the interviewed people without disabilities believe that the state should be the main driver for integrating people with disabilities, only 33% think society shares this responsibility. Conversely, 47% of people with disabilities believe that society should also increase its involvement. Among caregivers, 72% advocate for increased community support.
The study further highlights that a lack of knowledge about disabilities and a lack of interaction experiences are the primary obstacles preventing people without disabilities from supporting individuals with disabilities. For instance, while 58% of those without disabilities want to help, fear of offending (66%), lack of interaction experience (46%), or lack of knowledge about different types of disabilities (45%) often prevent them from taking action.
To foster greater community involvement and encourage society to support the integration of individuals with disabilities, CED Romania, Accenture, and AccessibleEU are launching the "A Family of Millions" initiative. The project includes the "Door of a Family of Millions," a symbolic monument in Bucharest's Herăstrău Park, which symbolizes the threshold between isolation and integration that society must cross.
Cristina Căluianu, a founding member and board member of CED Romania Center for Excellence in Diversity, stated, "We need concrete actions that facilitate real integration into the community. Through the initiative 'A Family of Millions,' we aim to build bridges between people, reduce social barriers, and inspire active involvement."
The study also examined opportunities for community participation through the professional environment. It found that 78% of people with disabilities in Romania have not participated in professional activities or sought employment opportunities in the past year. Moreover, 65% believe that the labor market is not prepared to integrate them, and a similar percentage sees the education system as inadequate for their professional preparation.
Fascinatingly, there's a discrepancy in understanding the role that the professional environment can play in the lives of people with disabilities. While 72% of people with disabilities and 78% of caregivers see professional participation as essential for an independent life, only 40% of people without disabilities consider this aspect important.
So, there you have it! The study highlights the need for greater societal understanding, empathy, and concrete actions to facilitate the integration of individuals with disabilities. The "A Family of Millions" initiative aims to bridge this gap and encourage deeper community involvement.
(Photo source: Ratana21 | Dreamstime.com)
- The study conducted by CED Romania and Accenture, with the support of AccessibleEU, reveals a discrepancy between societal expectations and the actual needs of Romanians with disabilities when it comes to integrating them into society.
- Despite believing that providing state support and psychological counseling are top priorities for individuals with disabilities, people without disabilities in Romania prioritize social activities and cultural and recreational activities as essential elements for a quality life, according to the study.
- Lack of knowledge about disabilities, lack of interaction experiences, and fear of offending are primary obstacles preventing people without disabilities from supporting individuals with disabilities, as found in the study.
- To foster community involvement and encourage societal support for the integration of individuals with disabilities, CED Romania, Accenture, and AccessibleEU are launching the "A Family of Millions" initiative, which aims to build bridges between people, reduce social barriers, and inspire active involvement.
