Dwayne Hards: Discrimination against disabled people is wrong - here's why

Treating people differently because of their disability is not just illegal but also morally disgusting because everyone should be treated with respect and kindness whether they have a disability or not and those with impairments should be helped if needed.

Image: Pixabay.

Disabled children in mainstream schools are more likely than the average children to face bullying at some point because ignorant children, and even teachers, don't understand them and think treating them differently is ok.

Adults with disabilities are also more likely to face bullying because other ignorant people either don't want to or struggle to understand them.

Forget the laws, bullying people because of their health, disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or any other differences is always wrong and should be dealt with by the relevant people, schools or workplaces, or even the authorities in extreme cases.

Bullying someone because of a protected characteristic is illegal under UK, European, and international law.

Discrimination, bullying, and mocking is always wrong, especially when it involves someone's disability, health, or other differences and it is important that it is dealt with robustly.

People who are bullied are more prone to depression, anxiety, and many other mental health problems later on in their lives and may even commit suicide because they were shamed for being different. People who are bullied usually feel alone, hated, and depressed, as well as ashamed.

If you or someone you know is being bullied, it is crucial that you speak up and report it as no one has the moral or legal right to treat you or them like this.