Scottish
Disability Equality Forum���� |
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SDEF News�������������������������������������������������������������������������������
December 2003
, No.12���������������������
Life
and work seems to follow peaks and troughs.�
One minute everyone is run off their feet preparing and producing reports
and figures to a very strict deadline, the next having to sit back and await
results of our efforts, with everything crossed they will be favourable.
After
such a hectic burst of activity, in submitting the Business Plan in support of
funding for the Umbrella Group, following the successful vote, we now have to be
patient and await the decision of the Ministers, which we understand will be
made by the end of the year.� We had
hoped to hold our promised meeting with Access Panels prior to Christmas, but in
view of this it appears there will be a delay to our plans.�
The matter is now out of our hands until we hear further, but we repeat
our assurance that nothing will proceed further without the consent of the
Access Panels themselves.
The
general work of SDEF continued throughout this phase, including progressing work
on the Specialised Transport Survey;� Toilet
Survey;� increasing membership;�
replies to Consultations, e.g. Inclusion covering Equipment and
Adaptations to assist in daily living.� We
continue to attend meetings with other organisations such as the DRC, the
Scottish Executive, as well as important meetings with Health Authorities and
Service Provision for wheelchair users at a high and influential level.
The
next event on our calendar, which you will already know about from the flyer we
sent out, will be our A.G.M. to be held on 8th December at the
Forthbank Stadium in Stirling.� Everyone
on the Board of Directors is looking forward to meeting you again.�
The Speaker will be
George
Reid M.S.P., who, as you know, kindly accepted our invitation to become our
Patron.� He is a man of wide
interests, and has a vast amount of knowledge on many subjects, and is a source
of invaluable information and advice.� During
the short meeting we had with him he certainly widened our horizons
considerably.� Please come along, we
are sure you will find this a stimulating experience and well worth making the
effort for.
We
welcome you to come and help to make what will be our first completely
independent A.M. successful.� Official
invitations and necessary business papers will be sent out shortly.
Delegates
have from now until the meeting to take the opportunity to discuss within their
organisations which issues and what direction they would like SDEF to take.�
As we always stress, our members are the driving force and your Board of
Directors will do the job if you give them the tools.
Please
accept our warm welcome and come and lend us your support.
Best
Regards to everyone, see you soon. ���
Elma
Mitchell M.B.E - Convenor SDEF
PRESIDING
OFFICER LAUNCHES DISABILITY WEEK IN PARLIAMENT
�A
Matter of Human Rights,� says Reid
�
Presiding
Officer George Reid today urged MSP's and staff to take part in training courses
arranged in Parliament as part of Disability Awareness Week.
Mr
Reid said: �Accessibility is one of our fundamental principles.�
I want the Scottish Parliament to be fully open and welcoming to the 12%
of our population who have a disability.�
�Our
disabled community have been fully engaged in the design of our new Holyrood
campus right from the start.� Once
we move there, we shall be one of the most accessible and participative
parliaments in the world.�
�But
barriers to participation are not just physical.�
Often they are about attitudes � about seeing the disabled person as a
medical �problem�.� This leads to stereotyping and exclusion.
�MSP�s
and staff can do much to break these barriers.�
They should engage in eye contact with a person in a wheelchair, not talk
down to them.� They should know how
to guide a blind person through doors and down stairs.�
They should understand how to have a conversation with someone with
learning difficulties. If they are in doubt they should just ask.�
Mr
Reid stated that disability is essentially a human rights issue: �We should
always remember Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights �
�All human beings are born equal in rights and dignity��.
Events
to mark Disability Awareness Week in Parliament will include:
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A
series of workshops�
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The
screening of�
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The
start of a disability audit�
Note:
George Reid has edited the World Disability Report for international disability
and UN organisations, has worked as a consultant for the World Blind Union, and
has helped establish prosthesis centres for landmine victims in nine countries.�
Currently, he is patron of the Scottish Disability Equality Forum.
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ISLE OF
LEWIS ACCESS PANEL
LIST OF WORK/PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN SINCE JUNE
2002
The
Isle of Lewis Access Panel meets monthly in the Council Chamber, Council
Offices, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.� There
are currently 25 members on the Isle of Lewis Access Panel and the membership is
made up of interested individuals and includes representatives from the
following groups:� Comhairle nan
Eilean Siar, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Community Alarm Service,
Western Isles Users and Carers Supporters Network, Community Care Forum.
Some
of the items/issues progressed by the Isle of Lewis Access Panel since it was
established in June 2002 are listed below:
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MV Isle of Lewis
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Museum nan Eilean
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Scottish Co-op Supermarket
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Stornoway Post Office
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Stornoway Town Centre (re a
Prohibition of Access and of Waiting & Designation of Disabled Parking
Places Order 2002)
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HOLYROOD
� HERE WE COME
Visit
to new Parliament Buildings at Holyrood
On
16th September, three members of the SDEF Board, Jim Bryan, David
Grieve and Elma Mitchell MBE paid a visit to the site of the new Parliament
Buildings at Holyrood, at the kind invitation of George Reid MSP, Presiding
Officer.
We
met at the Vistors� Centre, where we were shown a scale model of the complex
and given a short introduction to the background - from the start to the
present.� It was stressed that, from
the outset of the project, the intention was to make this an exemplary
development, and an example to be followed, regarding access to the buildings,
facilities and parliamentary processes.� To
this end a consultation group was set up under the chairmanship of Disability
Scotland, which meaningfully involved people with a variety of disability from
the early stages.� One summer the
core membership travelled round various parts of Scotland,�
involving interested representatives from the local access panels.�
Having served on this committee I believe our input was genuinely sought
and welcomed, and our views and concerns taken seriously.�
However, as the saying goes, �the proof of the pudding is in the
eating,� and we will have to wait until nearer completion before we can see
the final result.� I have no reason to doubt this will not live up to our high
expectations, as I am sure there is a genuine desire to ensure this whole
concept will indeed be exemplary in all regards.
Afterwards
my two colleagues were taken on a short tour of the building site by the
architect, which, because of Health and Safety reasons, I was unable to join
because of my wheelchair.� My two
companions reported they found this an interesting and
Fascinating
experience, even at this stage of construction where it was still a bit
difficult to visualise the finished article.�
However, we suggested another visit should be made at a later stage of
the building work, feeling this would perhaps be more productive, as it will be
easier to see what has actually been incorporated within the complex of
buildings.
We
would like to thank those responsible for issuing the invitation and for making
our visit such a rewarding experience.
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Tell
me About The
Mobility Roadshow Scotland �
What
is it?
The
Mobility Roadshow � the world�s largest mobility event for disabled and
older people � comes to Scotland in July 2004.�
The Roadshow aims to give anyone with a mobility problem � drivers,
passengers, adults or children � the chance to see what is available to help
solve that problem and most importantly to try out and evaluate the options in a
�no pressure� environment.
When
and where will the show take place?
Friday
9th & Saturday 10th July 2004 at the Royal Highland
Centre, Ingliston (next to Edinburgh Airport).
Who
organises it?
Originally
set up by the Department of Transport in 1983, the Mobility Roadshow is now
organised by Mobility Choice, a registered charity with grant-aid support from
the Department for Transport.� As
well as the show in Scotland, Mobility Choice organises the annual event in June
at Donington Park near Derby.
How
much does it cost to get in?
Admission
is free.� There is no charge for any
of the facilities on site, with the exception of food and drink on sale in the
Food Court areas (please note that the Mobility Roadshow is strictly an
alcohol-free event).
Is
it just for disabled and older people?
No.�
As well as carers and families of disabled people, the Roadshow can help
a surprising number of people.� For
example, if you are very tall or rather below average height, mobility devices
could make driving far more comfortable.
Who
exhibits at the Roadshow?
A
wide range of companies and organisations, including many of the major car
manufacturers, plus vehicle adaptation companies, mobility aids manufacturers,
scooter and wheelchair manufacturers, information and advice services,
charities, mobility insurance specialist and holiday companies.
What
sort of products will I see?
Latest
cars and converted vehicles fitted with adaptations;� lightweight, sports, power and manual wheelchairs;�
hand controls;� hoists;� car
seats;� commercial vehicles;�
battery chargers;� trikes and scooters;� walkers;�
rotating car seats;� specialist
wheels
and
tyres;� suspension systems;�
ramps;� seat clamps;�
wheelchair restraints;� floor
tracking;� lifts and numerous gizmos
and gadgets to make mobility easier for disabled people and their carers.
Can
I have a go on things?
Yes,
this is a �hands-on� event.� There
are opportunities to test drive adapted vehicles, and to try out scooters,
wheelchairs and other products out before you even think about buying, so you
can compare all the available options.
Is
it just for Motability customers?
No.�
The Roadshow is for anyone who has a mobility problem, whether you have a
vehicle through the Motability scheme or you own a vehicle privately.
Can
I bring the kids?
Yes,
it�s a fun day out for all the family.� Entertainers
will be on site each day and there is a fully staffed cr�che.
Can
I hire a wheelchair or scooter?
Yes.�
A wheelchair and scooter loan facility will be available.
Will
I really get impartial advice?
Yes.�
The Roadshow is all a bout choice and opportunity.�
There are a large number of charitable organisations and advice services
exhibiting offering impartial advice on a range of mobility issues.
Can
I find details about the Roadshow on the Internet?
Yes,
the address is www.justmobility.co.uk/roadshow
Did
you know?
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There
are over 8.6 million disabled people in the UK, that�s nearly 15% of the
population, of which around 800,000 live in Scotland.
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There
are 76,000 registered NHS wheelchair users in Scotland.�
(Information suggests that there are 16,000 new wheelchair users in
Scotland every year).
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There
are over 225,000 Blue Badge holders in Scotland, indicating that they have a
significant mobility problem.
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85%
of disabled people in the UK were not born disabled, but became disabled in
later life through accident or illness.
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10%
of the UK car market is given over to mobility vehicles.
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66%
of disabled people are older people.� In
the next fifty years the number of over 60�s will double and the number of
over 80�s will treble.
Mobility
Choice
Registered
Charity No. 1068018
Tel:
0870 770 3222�� Fax: 0870 770
3277
Email:�
[email protected]
Website:�
www.justmobility.co.uk/roadshow
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SDEF
has been working with others to draw up advice on how best to make information
services available as widely as possible. Although the work is continuing, here
are some pointers to acceptable practice.
Information
and advice should not be provided in such a way that people with disabilities
are excluded, treated less favourably, or offered different terms. In the light
of existing legislation and in anticipation of changes due in October 2004,
service providers should make adjustments, where necessary, to: remove, alter or
obviate physical barriers; provide auxiliary aids and services; amend policies,
practices and procedures; and consider providing services by other means.
With
regard to the �reasonableness� of potential changes, agencies must be
mindful of effectiveness, practicability, cost and relevance to core business.
As information services deal with many matters affecting people with
disabilities, providers should strive to adopt best practice.
Many
of the matters mentioned above have been enshrined in the Disability
Discrimination Act for several years. From October 2004, however, the
responsibility to make buildings physically accessible, come into force. This
refers to the removal, alteration or avoidance of physical barriers.
The
sorts of things to be considered might include: removal
� an approach path has overhanging obstructions which might create a hazard
for visually impaired people; a lobby has non structural barriers, like
inappropriately sited seats or display advertising: alteration � a building has doors which impede wheelchair
circulation and which can be widened; a corridor has no handrail, or a set of
steps do not have an accompanying ramp: avoidance
� a building�s public car park leads to an entrance which is
inaccessible,
whereas the staff car park is adjacent to an accessible entrance. The
responsible organisation might consider setting aside some parking for disabled
people in the staff car park and use of the accessible entry.
Many
service providers have been taking such practical steps for many years, while
others are making changes in advance of October 2004. However, although the test
of �reasonableness� will still apply, agencies will be expected to do their
very best to make all services available, without penalising people with
disabilities. Besides making physical alterations, here are some other
suggestions on making facilities available to all.
Social
inclusion is normally best served by making amenities commonly available.
However, where a given location has insuperable difficulties and the agency
cannot move, or afford major refurbishments, alternative means might be
considered. These
could
include, use of a sub-office, holding external surgeries in public buildings, or
operating a home-visiting service.
Having
appropriate policies, practices and procedures would involve information
providers in: consultations with disabled people and their representative
organisations; having complaints procedures; conducting reviews; and holding
staff training on disability awareness, legal requirements and inclusion
policies.
Auxiliary
aids and services can appreciably improve the physical accessibility of services
and may include: loop systems, text-phones, audio-visual alarms, audio tapes,
public address system, Braille writers, email and other IT equipment; and the
As
mentioned above, the test of �reasonableness� would mean that small
organisations might not be able to comply with every suggestion. Also, service
providers may have to liaise with others, including landlords, highway
authorities, police and traffic wardens to ensure access arrangements are
suitable and enforced.� However, in
so far as changes are practical and affordable, the needs of people with
disabilities should be catered for and the law will require efforts in this
direction.�
Wyn
Merrells
Project
Manager
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�Let�s Get It Right� Conference�
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In
the last edition we mentioned a conference held in Glasgow during August on the
subject of providing information to people from black and minority ethnic
communities. This was aimed at professional advisory bodies. In October the
event was followed up by a second conference specifically for potential users of
service.
Called
�Let�s Get it Right � Working with Black and Minority Ethnic Disabled
People� the event attracted a good cross-section of people with disabilities
from Scotland�s rich cultural mix.� The
first part of the day was dedicated to presentations on legislation, such as the
Race Relations Act and the Disability Discrimination Act. However, it was when
we broke into discussion groups that the everyday issues really came to the
fore.
Participants
were asked how they normally set about accessing information and what
difficulties they have faced. For many people who were not born here, our
network of support services can be very baffling. It was quite apparent that the
quality of information provided could often depend on the personal skills and
interest of the
advisor.
It was also often the case that the family doctor, as the only universally known
and consulted figure, was the sole signpost to other services.
This
may sound quite familiar to us all, but the problems are multiplied when the
person with disabilities is not a native speaker. It seems even the larger
service providers do not make their information available in languages other
than English and, even when they do, the process of accessing it requires much
more effort.
It
isn�t just in the areas of social services or benefit applications that the
problems occur. People gave much anecdotal evidence of difficulties in getting
on educational courses, applying for jobs, travelling on almost any public
transport system, or even finding out if a restaurant could cater for their
needs. Trying to get information or make plans can become a major logistical
exercise. For non-English speakers it can be a nightmare and require the help
and support of others.
Although
information providers are starting to catch up, there is still a long way to go.
This piece of work was initiated by the Disability Rights Commission, who should
be commended for their efforts. Our organisation will continue to participate
actively and try to raise awareness of the complex problems of this significant
group of people affected by disability.
Wyn
Merrells
SDEF
Project Manager
�
�
NEWS
RELEASE�����
Disability Rights Commission
Government
commitments to disability in new equalities commission welcomed by DRC
A
commitment by the Government that a new
equalities commission would cater for the distinct needs of disabled people and
that a programme of disability legislative reform would continue as well as
Scottish considerations taken into account, was welcomed by the Disability
Rights Commission (DRC) today.
But
speaking today after the Government�s written statement on its response to the
18 month-long consultation on the future shape and priorities of Britain�s
equalities bodies, the DRC raised concerns that details on the
structure
of the new commission remain unresolved and that the call for harmonised
equalities legislation appears to have been unanswered.�
Speaking
today Elaine Noad, Scotland Commission of the DRC, said �I welcome the
announcement by the Government today on the new equalities commission.�
It signals the first decisive step towards the formation of a single body
to tackle discrimination and disadvantage in Britain for all its citizens.
The
Government has taken on board many of the arguments that the DRC has made to
ensure a distinctive presence for disability in the new commission and to
guarantee that the specialisms and expertise developed over three years are
maintained.
The
creation of a task force to advise the Minister on the further steps needed
towards the creation of the new commission was also a DRC recommendation and I
welcome its inclusion in today�s announcement.
I
welcome also the Government�s recognition that the institutional, legislative
and social circumstances of Scotland will need to be considered in the
forthcoming White Paper�.
Speaking
on the absence of a clear structure for the new equality commission in the
Government�s announcement, Ms Noad. said:
�I
would have hoped that after 18 months of consultation the Government would have
been in a position to decide on a structure for the new
commission.�
Arbitrary deadlines for the creation of the new commission are less
important than careful and considered steps to assess and respond to the full
implications of setting it up.� The
new task force must be allowed the time needed for it to work successfully.�
On
the need for harmonised quality legislation to support the work of the new
commission, Ms. Noad said:
�The
Government�s stated commitment that the new commission should aim to achieve
equality for all must imply dealing with the patchwork of quality legislation
that provides comprehensive cover for some but scant protection to many.�
The argument for a single equality act to accompany the new commission is
now compelling.�
Contact:�
Adam Gaines, Head of Policy and Communications, DRC Scotland, on 0131 444
4323 or Carol Stewart, Media Officer, on 0131 444 4350 (outside office hours
07776 171278)
Notes
to Editors
1.��
The DRC believes that anti-discrimination legislation should be
harmonised to ensure maximum protection for all citizens, without reducing
existing protection afforded to any single minority group.� For a new equality commission to be effective across all
strands it would have to operate within a common framework of rights which would
involve the levelling up of existing equality legislation.
The
DRC is currently running Open4all Campaign, a major campaign to raise awareness
of new duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.�
The duties come into force in October 2004 and will affect anyone who
provides a service to the public in Great Britain.
For
more information about how this will affect you, please log on to www.open4all.org
�
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�
The
voluntary sector�s growing role in delivering public services has come in for
criticism of late.� But charities
are often better placed than their public sector counterparts to deliver on core
social problems.
The issue of what role � if any � charities should play in delivering public services has long been a matter for heated debate. Barry Knight, the founder of Centris, the Centre for Research and Innovation in Social Policy, raised the wrath of the charity sector and politicians in 1992 when he wrote that the growing partnership between the voluntary sector and the government would not deliver on core social problems.�
�There is no point in agitating for change without showing what the change should look like. Many of these services were gradually�
Articles submitted are not necessarily the views of Scottish Disability Equality Forum
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