- RELATED: Bendigo urged to keep an open mind
Scope Loddon Mallee customer service delivery manager Mary Sullivan says much discrimination against people with disabilities comes from a lack of understanding.
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Ms Sullivan gave the example of Jye Yates, who was ejected from a Bendigo nightclub because the bouncer did not realise he had a disability.
“Jye’s got cerebral palsy and he uses a motorised wheelchair but he is able to walk,” she said.
“He was at a nightclub one night and went to the toilet and when he came back he was approached by a bouncer who said ‘you’re too drunk mate, get out’ and he wouldn't really listen to him so he had to go and get his wheelchair and leave.
“He's a little bit hard to understand and he thought his slurred speech was because he was under the influence.”
Ms Sullivan said the solution was to give people time to communicate rather than make assumptions.
“If someone is not sure and wants to learn we’d be more than happy to put them in touch with our educators team,” she said.
Call Scope on 5442 2000.
