Equality, diversity and inclusion

justlife.art endeavours to create an environment where differences are recognised, respected and valued, and where opportunities are equal and inclusive. This document is only now beginning to be developed and as such these are initial considerations that need to be honed in, and extra information about accessibility needs to be included.

Realistically we have been shaped by past and current environments and will all have unconscious biases around many with protected characters and indeed some conscious biases. These can manifest in behaviours that and communication that people do not realise are offensive to others and what a negative impact they have.

justlife.art aims to address concerns raised about such discriminatory behaviours in a learning as we go, educating others, and encouraging apology and other restorative repairing by perpetrators.

We suggest trying to speak directly to the individual concerned if that feels at all possible, and/or reporting to Rose, Chris or the tutor as soon as possible.

Or you can email Rose …. rose@justlife.art

Or you can call Rose on 07711961624

Or you can email Chris ….

Discriminatory behaviour and prejudice, often unconscious, is not acceptable and absolutely has the worst impact on individuals on the receiving end of it. It will be addressed immediately. It will be stopped. However, we would like to address such behaviours wherever possible with as much understanding and education as possible in order to effect change and growth and discussion.

There are many subtle nuances to such behaviours. A list of examples below:

Using patronising language, or being patronising in any way, because someone has a disability (physical or mental health) is a form of harassment and discrimination under the equality.

An example of which might be saying with authority ‘now you take care of yourself’ when in reference to the disability whether physical or mental. It is disempowering and suggestive that they know what is best re your disability which is quite offensive really.

If someone reports such behaviour then to dismiss it as something else is actually a form of secondary victimisation, and again a form of discrimination.

For example saying ‘people are just trying to help’ in response to someone with a disability feeling they are being patronised due to their disability.