National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Raise awareness of non apparent disabilities

Susan Kennedy

Delegates heard of the difficulties which face members in the workplace who have non apparent disabilities, such as dyslexia or mental health problems.

It committed the union to issuing information and guidance to both branches and employers to recognise the rights that these workers have under the Disability Discrimination Act and the Equality Duties and to survey attitudes towards and awareness of non apparent disabilities.

Aberdeenshire's Susan Kennedy told delegates of the work that Support for Learning members do to support pupils with non apparent disabilities in school. "We strive to enable our pupils to achieve to the best of their ability, from early years into young adulthood, and we see great success from the support they receive.

"It is therefore incomprehensible to find that when they enter the workplace they are met with little or no support strategies," slammed Susan.

"Employers have a responsibility to support and develop all their employees. It is therefore crucial that we insist that they are fully trained on the awareness of non apparent disabilities and resources made available to enable equal opportunities to all."

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