Disability attitudes criticised

Survey shows discrimination continues despite Paralympics

Great Britain's David Weir pumps his fist after winning gold in the men's 1500m T54 final
Great Britain's David Weir was one of many Paralympians who achieved success Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Paralympics were the games which were meant to change our views of people with disabilities. But 100 days since they ended, a new survey carried out by Scope shows that discrimination continues.

While Paralympians themselves continue to enjoy celebrity status, two-thirds of people living with disabilities feel that the games have done nothing to improve how they are treated and spoken to.

  • 72% said that the Paralympics had a positive impact on attitudes towards the disabled in general
  • 53% said they still regularly experience discrimination
  • 67% said that the Paralympics have done nothing to improve the way they are spoken to
Great Britain's Paralympic medal winners
Great Britain's Paralympic medal winners Credit: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

The Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer QC has called for more to be done about the number of hate crimes against those with disabilities.

Like everybody else I thought the Paralympics were fantastic, the sheer number of people that watched and appreciated what was going on was quite incredible.

I hope that has enhanced our understanding of people with disabilities, my fear is that the surveys continue to show a high level of abuse.

It is the surveys of ordinary people, day in day out, that are really important to this debate.

Read: Latest CPS disability hate crime statistics

Read: Equality and Human Rights Commission report into disability harassment

ITV News' Social Affair Editor Penny Marshall reports.

Watch more interviews on the impact of the Paralympics on disability attitudes.