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Scottish Disability Equality Forum along with thistle logo in purple and green

24/06/08 - Independent living for disabled people

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A new long term approach to help improve the daily lives of disabled people, backed by �600,000 from the Scottish Government, was announced today.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell promised to ensure that disabled people would feel valued as individuals and have the same choice, control and freedom as any citizen.

The Government and public sector bodies will work together to identify ways to break down the barriers which stop disabled people fulfilling their full potential in areas such as housing, transport, employment and education.

An expert group, including disabled people, will meet by the end of the summer to help shape the way forward.

Mr Maxwell said:

"The Scottish Government believes that disabled people should be valued as individuals, be able to fulfil their potential as active citizens, and have control over their lives and decisions.

"We have already made a great deal of progress in enabling more disabled people to participate and engage fully in society.

"We recognise that independent living, in its fullest sense, is still out of reach for some. Working in partnership with disabled people and other public bodies, the approach I am setting out today will help us to determine what we need to do to deliver long term change for disabled people across Scotland."

Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner, Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

"Today's announcement marks a step change in ensuring that all disabled people are afforded the opportunity to make real choices in how they live their lives.

"We recognise that it may take years to remove all of the barriers which currently prevent disabled people from fulfilling their social and economic potential.

"The Government's announcement today is an encouraging statement of purpose towards increasing disabled people autonomy. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government, disability organisations and disabled people themselves in ensuring that the right to independent living becomes a reality."

Bill Campbell, project manager of Inclusion Scotland, said:

"As a national organisation of disabled people, whose aims and objectives are firmly rooted in the Social Model of disability and the principles of Independent Living, we welcome the Minister's announcement today.

"We very much appreciate the work done over the last year by all the different sections and departments of the Scottish Government who worked together to make this announcement possible.

"We look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders in this new venture to make independent living the cornerstone of Scottish social policy in the years to come."

Lisa Curtice, from the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, said:

"The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability is delighted that the Scottish Government sees independent living as a priority. People with learning disabilities want control over their lives. As equal citizens, they should have access to the support they need to play a full part in the life of their community."

Etienne d'Aboville, chief executive of the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living, said:

"Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living welcomes the Minister's announcement that the Scottish Government will be working with key agencies and, crucially, with disabled people, our organisations and our allies, to develop Independent Living in Scotland.

"Independent Living means disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, at work, and in the community. This initiative presents an unprecedented opportunity to address the barriers to Independent Living and to finally make it a reality for disabled people in Scotland."

� Copyright Scottish Disability Equality Forum 2003-2008

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