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28 February 2006 - A Voice in Government
Policy Making for Disabled
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The Government has announced a very welcome National Forum for
the less-able community, giving them a direct voice to the Government where they
can influence decisions on policies and services.
As part of the Governments new Advisory Group, the National
Forum will consist of 12 people who have direct experience of the requirements
for the UK's disabled community. Throughout the next 6 months, these
12 members will assist in the setting up of the National Forum.
The Forum was established following The Prime Minister's
Strategy Unit report, "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People", in
January 2005. The recommendation of the report was to implement a
National Forum for Organisations of disabled people, providing a direct link to
the Government.
A further recommendation of the Strategy Unit report was to
establish an Office for Disability Issues (ODI), which was launched on 1
December 2005, providing a cross-Government focus on issues affecting the
disabled.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, speaking at the
groups first meeting said:
"A national forum for disabled people demonstrates the
Government's commitment to engaging directly in meaningful dialogue with
disabled people. This will ensure that the needs of disabled people are not
forgotten. I look forward to working with the Advisory Group, which will ensure
that disabled people are included in the creation of the forum from the start."
Bruce Calderwood, Director for Disabled People and Carers in the
Department for Work and Pensions, commented:
"The Government is committed to ensuring real equality for
disabled people. This can only happen if there's genuine engagement and dialogue
with disabled people. That's what the Forum is about. A key priority for me is
ensuring it gives a voice to groups of disabled people who might otherwise
struggle to be heard."
Alun Davies, Member of the Advisory Group, said:
"The Government's commitment to involving and consulting with
disabled people is a very important message for disabled people to hear. As a
disabled person who has been involved for many years in trying to make
organisations listen to disabled people I welcome this opportunity to get
involved with the development of the forum."
The Office for Disability Issues Website can be accessed by
clicking the following:
Office for Disability Issues
The Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People report can be
accessed from the Prime Ministers Strategy Website by clicking the following:
Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People
Further information on all aspects affecting the less-able can
be accessed from the Disability Rights Commission Website by clicking the
following:
The Disability Rights Commission
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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