DISABLED ambulance workers are subjected to inappropriate language against them, a new investigation has revealed.
The East of England Ambulance commissioned a study to understand more the experiences of staff who work for them and have a disability.
Inviting more than 300 employees with disabilities and neurodiverse disorders to react, 71 per cent of co-workers took advantage of the chance to share their experiences.
Major concerns that were brought up by the staff include certain managers’ inadequate training regarding disability and neurodiversity.
One staff member said: “I have been directly ‘outed’, mocked and asked why I am doing my job in front of colleagues and a deceased patient and bystanders.”
Another said: “I can talk to management, but management don’t care, and I am still threatened with job loss every time I exceed the sickness allowance which makes me feel anxious and like I should come back even though I’m not well enough to do so.”
A lack of cultural knowledge and the use of improper language were also noted, and several line managers received criticism for exhibiting “inappropriate leadership behaviours.”
The Trust has released its results, including the fact that roughly six out of ten co-workers, regardless of their disability, feel uncomfortable showing their “whole self” at work.
EEAST has released a preliminary version of an action plan in response to the survey’s results.
It includes a disability module in its corporate introduction, establishing a central point of contact for guidance on reasonable accommodations, and mandating managers to complete awareness training on disabilities.
Tom Abell, CEO of EEAST, has personally apologised to those who have fallen victim to discrimination.