Higher Education Assessment Coversheet
Higher Education Assessment Coversheet
Student Given Name
Aneri Naishadhkumar Student Family Name
Thakkar
Student Number
1073174 Course
BCS
Unit Code
CAS204 Unit Name
Managing Multiculturalism and Diversity
Tutorial Group
S4 Campus
Online
Tutor
Ellie Rose Assessment Title
Assessment 2 Task 2A
Due Date
21/07/24 Word Count
1350.
Title: Report on Addressing Public Transport Challenges for Kerry-Ann: An Inclusive Approach
Contents Page
Introduction
Model or Framework of Oppressive Practice
Part One: Aspects of Diversity and Barriers to Inclusion
Part Two: Historical Context and Structural Oppression
Part Three: Power and Privilege
Part Four: Project Plan
Conclusion
References
Introduction:
Without public transportation, which provides everyone in the community with access to the essential mobility, urban infrastructure cannot operate as intended. However, receiving this vital service can be challenging for individuals with disabilities, including those with autism and chronic pain issues like Kerry-Ann Tape. In Sydney, the 31 year-old digital archivist Kerry-Ann faces significant challenges when utilizing public transportation. Her experiences bring to light the persistent gaps in the accessibility and diversity of the current public transportation system.
Kerry-Ann's situation highlights the wider issue of institutional failures in meeting the needs of those with disabilities. The practical application of regulations, such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which mandates accessible public transportation, is sometimes insufficient. Kerry-Ann's troubles getting into buses due to careless driving and a lack of appropriate amenities, such as ramps that are deployed and accessible seating, serve as an example of these shortcomings. Her impediment is unseen, which makes it more difficult for her to receive the assistance she needs and further isolates her from society, adding to her struggles.
Although the transportation sector has reacted, not enough has been done to address the persistent problems faced by individuals such as Kerry-Ann. This includes not funding accessibility enhancements and educating employees about disabilities. The current case study attempts to explore the barriers to inclusivity that Kerry-Ann encounters, explore the structural and historical factors that underpin these issues, and evaluate the role that privilege and power play in maintaining systemic inequalities (Department of Infrastructure,2020). Using an Anti-Oppressive Practice framework, this study aims to develop a community service project plan that addresses these challenges and promotes a more equitable and inclusive public transportation system for all individuals with disabilities.
Model or Framework of oppressive practice:
The Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP) framework will be applied to this report. One of the main social justice-focused methods in social work is anti-oppressive practice (AOP). By utilizing critical theories such as feminist, Marxist, postmodernist, Indigenous, poststructuralist, anti-colonial, and anti-racist theories, among others, it acknowledges the structural roots of oppression and fosters social reform (Matthews et al,2020). It promotes equality, social justice, and the active participation of marginalized people in the choices that have an impact on their life.
Part One: Aspects of Diversity and Barriers to Inclusion
Target Group: Kerry-Ann is a member of the disability community, more especially the community of persons with invisible disabilities like autism and long-term pain syndromes. Due to their disability, this group frequently experiences particular difficulties that can cause discrimination and misunderstandings.
Barriers to Inclusion:
Physical Barriers: People utilizing mobility aids face physical barriers when drivers refuse to stop and give way to them, which restricts their access to public transportation.
Attitude Barriers: Lack of awareness and empathy on the part of commuters and transportation employees results in harassment and a failure to recognize the needs of people with invisible disabilities.
Systemic Barriers: Inadequate training for transportation personnel and lax enforcement of disability regulations exacerbate the exclusion of disabled persons from public transportation networks.
Part Two: Historical Context and Structural Oppression
Historical Context: The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which aims to makes it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their disability in a variety of public settings, such as the workplace, educational institutions, services they get or use, housing they rent or purchase, and public spaces, is one of the laws and regulations that have historically shaped disability rights in Australia (Australian Human Rights Commission,2014). But because these restrictions have been applied and enforced inconsistently, there have been ongoing problems.
Structural oppression: Systemic oppression of people with disabilities is caused by past neglect and inadequate policy implementation. This has led to systemic barriers to using public services, like transportation. The lack of adequate measures to ensure compliance with disability standards is the reason these issues have continued.
Part Three: Power and Privilege
Concerns Regarding Oppression in Modern Society:Invisible Disability: Kerry-Ann has intangible limits that make it challenging to make allowances for her and lead to misunderstandings.
Microaggressions: She regularly receives harassment from fellow commuters for using handicapped seats, and cars commonly decline to utilize ramps.
Systemic discrimination: it is committed by public transportation workers who receive inadequate staff training and accessibility measures (Access under Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport | Australian Human Rights Commission,2020).
The role that privilege and power play:
Intersectional Identities: Kerry-Ann is marginalized on multiple levels due to her disability and reliance on public transit. Power Dynamics: Although transport operators should be responsible for enforcing accessibility laws, they often fail to do so. Privilege: This demonstrates disparities within the disabled population since individuals who are clearly disabled and those who are not may receive better care and accommodations (What We Do).
Part Four: Project Plan
Community service project plan:
Initiative for Inclusive Transport Awareness and Training (ITATI) (Transport,2018-22).
Goal: The purpose of this initiative is to increase disability awareness among public transportation staff and foster an inclusive environment for all commuters.
Crucial Assignments:
Disability Awareness Training: All staff of public transportation must receive this mandatory training, which covers topics like sensitivity, ramp deployment, and accessibility considerations.
Awareness Campaign: Educational programs aimed at educating the general public about the need of respecting the accommodations made for individuals with disabilities.
Feedback Mechanism: Establishing a platform where people with disabilities can express their issues and make suggestions for improvements.
Timeline: 12 months.
Budget: $200,000 (funding from government grants and partnerships with disability advocacy organizations)
Expected Outcomes:
Increased sensitivity and awareness on the part of transportation staff towards people with disabilities.
Greater public awareness as well as a decrease in harassment and discrimination incidents.
Enhanced accessibility and diversity in public transit services.
Conclusion:
Kerry-Ann Tape's experiences with Sydney's public transportation system underscore the significant challenges faced by those with disabilities and the ongoing necessity for systemic improvements. Even with laws like the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, the practical challenges she facesincluding rude bus drivers and inadequate disability awarenesshighlight persistent shortcomings in inclusivity and accessibility. In addition to interfering with Kerry-Ann's daily activities, these issues also highlight more significant structural flaws in the realm of disability accommodations. Australia's transportation system often fails to satisfy the needs of all of its users because of institutional oppressions and the country's long history of disability rights. While recent investments and policy developments aim to address these deficiencies, the reality of inadequate implementation and enforcement underscores the urgent need for more effective solutions. The power dynamics at play, which include the privilege experienced by non-disabled individuals and the authority of transit operators, make the pursuit of equitable access more challenging. To address these problems, a community service project plan such as the Inclusive Transport Awareness and Training Initiative (ITATI) is required. This effort proposes targeted training for transportation staff, public awareness initiatives, and a robust feedback mechanism to improve the responsiveness and inclusivity of public transportation services. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that individuals such as Kerry-Ann are fully accommodated in their everyday lives in addition to being legally protected, thereby bridging the gap between policy and practice.
References:
Access under Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport | Australian Human Rights Commission. Humanrights.gov.au, 30 July 2020, HYPERLINK "https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/publications/access-under-disability-standards-accessible-public"https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/publications/access-under-disability-standards-accessible-public
Australian Human Rights Commission. Disability Discrimination. Humanrights.gov.au, 2014, HYPERLINK "https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/disability-discrimination"https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/disability-discrimination
Department of Infrastructure. Transport Accessibility. Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Australian Government, 15 Mar. 2022, HYPERLINK "http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-accessibility"www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-accessibility
Haylen, Jo. Media Release. HYPERLINK "https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024-25-nsw-budget-haylen-budget-delivers-new-and-more-reliable-public-transport-services.pdf"https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024-25-nsw-budget-haylen-budget-delivers-new-and-more-reliable-public-transport-services.pdf
Matthews, Hannah, et al. Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP). Critically Infused Social Work, Dec. 2020, HYPERLINK "http://www.criticallyinfusedsw.com/antioppressive-practice"www.criticallyinfusedsw.com/antioppressive-practice
Transport, Future. Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2018-2022. Www.future.transport.nsw.gov.au, 3 Nov. 2022, HYPERLINK "https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-accessibility"https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/transport-accessibility
What We Do. Australian Disability Network, HYPERLINK "https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/"https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/
