Social devaluation means treating a person or group as though they matter less than others. For people with disability, it can show up in obvious discrimination and in ordinary situations where someone’s choices, skills or relationships are dismissed.
For example, a person may be spoken about while they are in the room, offered only segregated activities or assumed unable to make a decision without anyone asking them.
Notice the assumptions
A person needing assistance with a task doesn’t mean they have nothing to contribute. A different way of communicating doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.
When you notice an assumption, return to the particular person. What have they said they want? What support would let them take part? Have they had an opportunity to respond in a way that works for them?
Make room for ordinary roles
People have roles as friends, neighbours, artists, students, colleagues and family members. Disability support should leave space for those parts of life.
That might mean helping someone get to a club they choose, then giving them room to participate. It might mean supporting a person to speak at a meeting rather than having a worker answer for them.
The person decides which roles matter to them. No one needs a job, a public achievement or a busy social calendar to be valued.
Respond without taking over
If you’re supporting someone, ask how they want a concern handled. They may want help explaining an access need, contacting an organiser or making a complaint. They may also want time to decide.
Keep their privacy in mind. Challenging an unfair assumption doesn’t give others permission to share a diagnosis or personal history.
Use support to increase choice
Look at whether an arrangement gives the person more say over their time and relationships. Ask whether they can change activities, express disagreement and give feedback safely.
You can read about supported decision making and person-centred support examples. If you need to raise a concern about Vana Care, our feedback and complaints page explains the available routes.
