In August the United Nations disability committee publicly declared that they are now more worried about the UK than any other country in the entire history of the committee and that UK Government “social cuts” have led to “human catastrophe”. This followed publication at the end of last year of the Committee’s investigation into the UK which found evidence of “grave and systematic violations” of Disabled people’s rights due to welfare reform.
A National Disabled People’s Summit will take place next month in London as part of a campaign to co-ordinate resistance against Government austerity policies which disproportionately affect disabled people.
The free summit aims to bring together trade unionists and grassroots campaigners to plan strategies and organise joint campaigning.
It will be largely workshop-based with two sessions taking place. The first will cover campaign priorities such as independent living, accessible transport and employment. The second will be based on organising and will cover protest and direct action, legal challenges and using the media.
The summit will take place at the NUT headquarters, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9BD on Saturday November 4 from 11am-4.30pm. The venue is wheelchair accessible, BSL interpretation will be provided and there will be a quiet room. Lunch will be provided (with thanks to the National Education Union). You can book a place on Eventbrite . Part of the summit will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. For more information contact ellen_morrison@hotmail.co.uk .
