Half of British society sees disabled people as 'inferior' - Scope

More than half of British society sees disabled people as "inferior", according to research published today.

Disability charity Scope said it found 53% viewed disabled people "in a negative way".

The equality rights campaigners said an online survey also found 38% of respondents thought the disabled were a "drain on resources".

However, the findings showed a strong public backing for action in favour of disabled people's equality.

"Our survey has unearthed some fascinating findings, showing how most people recognise that disabled people are generally viewed in a negative way in British society," said Scope chairwoman Alice Maynard.

"This certainly chimes with my own experience as a disabled person, and that of many of the disabled people we work with, who have to battle stereotypes, low expectations and sometimes outright hostility in our daily lives.

"However, it is encouraging that there is strong public support to tackle discrimination against disabled people. This shows a real willingness to make the changes needed for disabled people to be treated more fairly and equally."

When the 2,000 participating adults were asked what measures were needed to tackle discrimination against the disabled, most responded that public transport needed to be more accessible.

They also said access to public buildings needed to be better, along with tougher punishments for people who park in disabled car parking spaces without a blue badge.

The disability organisation released the information as part of its Time To Get Equal Week, which runs throughout this week, to try to raise public awareness about discrimination of disabled people.