Convened by Disability Rights UK and supported by the Office for Disability Issues, the alliance will consider thousands of suggestions put forward by disabled people earlier this year as part of the ‘Fulfilling Potential’ discussion.
Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey said:
“The Paralympics truly captivated the hearts of the nation and have undoubtedly helped shift attitudes and perceptions towards disabled people. What we have now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capitalise on this and to work with disabled people to deliver lasting change.
“I want to ensure that there is a clear focus in place across Government and will be working with disabled people and their organisations on developing the new disability strategy so that this country remains a world leader in disability equality.”
Last December the Government invited disabled people to help shape a new cross-government disability strategy. The ‘Fulfilling Potential, the Discussions So Far’, summarises the issues raised, and shows how actions are already being taken across Government to address many of the issues.
We have also published ‘Fulfilling Potential, Next Steps’ which sets out the vision and principles; outlines further public sector reforms; and announces a new disability action alliance, involving organisations from across the private, public and voluntary and community sectors.
The alliance – similar to the age action alliance created last year – will put disabled people and their organisations at the heart of creating inclusive local communities and changing attitudes to disability.
The launch of Fulfilling Potential – ‘the Discussions So Far’ and ‘Next Steps’ follows an Ipsos MORI poll which showed eight out of ten (81%) British adults thought the Paralympics has had a positive impact on the way disabled people are viewed by the public.
