Paralympics 'to improve attitudes to disabled'
A new survey has found that 67% of people plan to watch the Paralympic Games, which began in London yesterday.
The figure was 48% when a similar poll was conducted before the Olympics.
The ComRes poll commissioned by Scope showed that 46% of disabled thought attitudes towards them had got worse in the last year.
However, 62% of disabled people and their families believe the Paralympics can improve attitudes towards disabled people
Large number of disabled people surveyed said the Games would have a positive impact in different ways. 62% say the Games have the power to change the way the public treats disabled people.
76% said a greater presence in day-to-day life would make a difference.
86% referred to the positive impact of greater public discussion about the issues affecting disabled people and 87% said more disabled people in the media would have a positive effect on attitudes.
To help ensure a lasting legacy for disabled people, Scope has launched a drive to promote positive stories of ordinary disabled people during the Paralympics.
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of the disability charity Scope, said:
“The Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the way society views disability.
“At a time when disabled people feel public attitudes have got worse, it is clear that they have high expectations for the games. Disabled people say they can change attitudes for the better.
“But for the Games to have an impact the general public has to engage.
“We were really pleased to discover that more than two-thirds are going to watch the Paralympics.
"This comes as the games look set to be the first sell-out Paralympics.
“Today's figures confirm that the wider public has few opportunities to interact with disabled people and many disabled people are invisible in society.
“The Paralympics present a unique opportunity to bridge that gap and Scope will be working throughout the Games to tell the stories of disabled people in 2012.
“A step-change in the way society views disability must be the real and lasting legacy of London 2012 for disabled people.”
