For many disabled people a feeling that we are not allowed to play a full part in society holds us back. But a campaign started last autumn insists that ‘We Belong’ and says it loudly and proudly
Disability Rights UK invited comment on how to create a more equal society through their newsletters, social media, email and phone, and
held Zoom meetings on transport, employment, the built
environment, housing, participation, services and retail. They held discussions with groups of disabled people experiencing multiple forms of discrimination including people from BAME backgrounds, women, LGBTQIA people,young people and children and parents of disabled children and young people.
Their ‘We Belong’ report forms the basis of their submission to the Government’s consultation on its National Strategy for Disabled People.
“Over the past year it has often felt like disabled people’s lives haven’t been valued equally. We have had Care Act rights removed, our access to health care de-prioritised, inadequate support for education, challenges in buying food and barriers to accessing information, said Kamran Mallick
CEO of DRUK.
“We need to take the opportunity to say loud and clear that We Belong in every area and aspect of society. That we must have a society that is designed to enable us to be full and equal citizens. A society that recognises our need for support and adaptation and our talent and contribution.
“We ask the government to ground the Disability Strategy in the recommendations the report makes. It is not enough to tinker with current policies and services, we need radical and ambitious change.
“We need renewal of equalities legislation, funding of Disabled People’s Led Organisations, genuine co-production and engagement, full political participation and fundamental changes to social security, social care and employment services.
“I hope this report acts as a call to action to disabled people to demand widespread and lasting change. I hope that the government takes strong action to embed the Social Model of Disability across all aspect of society, and in its actions, reflects the extent of our ambition. I hope that within the next ten years, we can hand on heart say: We Belong.”
The report is divided into five sections:
1. Foundations: radical change to rights, voice and participation
2. Independence: enabling support, choice and control
3. Inclusion: removing societal barriers
4. Attitudes: changing perceptions
5. Protections: outlawing crimes
For more on the We Belong project click on the link. You can read the We Belong report in full here.
