The big question

Should disabled people be targeted for advice on healthy
eating and dieting?   

Karen Shook
Disability equality adviser

Disabled people face barriers in trying to access a healthy
lifestyle – tackle the barriers! Most sports centres and exercise
regimes are inappropriate, inaccessible and expensive. Accessible
education informing people about the right way to eat healthily on
a benefit level budget is also desperately needed.

Joan Scott
Director, Action Unlimited

I don’t think disabled people should be targeted – they should be
treated the same as the rest of the population. It’s up to you
whether to do anything about your weight – nobody else should be
involved. Professionals should not talk down to you. They should
talk to you directly – definitely not to a carer.

Shaun Webster
CHANGE self-advocacy group

People with learning difficulties should not be treated
differently. People have the right to choose what they eat and when
they eat. Everyone should be encouraged to eat healthier diets and
take exercise when it is needed. I did the “Loughborough mile” at
the National Forum last week and feel fit as a fiddle!

Becca Cooper
York People First

It should be up to the individual. People who don’t have a learning
disability aren’t forced to go on a diet, although sometimes it
might be suggested to them for health reasons. Often staff who
support people in group homes don’t know how to cook. We should be
given information so we that we can make good choices.