A Disability Equality Plan launched today, backed by £2.5
million investment, will improve the lives of disabled people
across Scotland and put their experiences and concerns at the
heart of policymaking.
The funding, an increase of £2 million, recognises the
significant challenges and barriers disabled people continue
to face.
The plan reflects a government-wide commitment to ensure that the
voices and experiences of disabled people are considered from the
beginning.
Key actions include:
- improved mental health support tailored to disabled people
- expanded access to advice and support services
- training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding
of the issues facing disabled people
- an annual Cabinet Takeover, giving disabled people a direct
platform to speak to Ministers
Equalities Minister said:
"Disabled people are facing unprecedented hardship, deepening
poverty and increasing social isolation. Years of austerity, the
cost of living crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have not
helped and services need to be equipped to respond to these
challenges.
“I am firmly opposed to the UK Government's proposed reforms to
social security and deeply concerned about the effects they will
have on disabled people, people with long-term health conditions
and unpaid carers. The UK Government's own analysis estimates
these will push a further 250,000 people across the UK, including
50,000 children, into poverty.
“We will not mirror these changes. We are committed to
safeguarding our Adult Disability Payment and upholding the
dignity and rights of disabled people. Our approach is rooted in
dignity, fairness and respect - not austerity- and the UK
Government should follow our lead and protect the social security
safety system, rather than dismantling it.
“Scotland is showing that a better way is possible. The increased
funding for the plan I am announcing today will build on our
human rights-based approach to strengthen vital support and
services for disabled people.
“I want to thank all the organisations that have worked
tirelessly to help shape this plan. Their insight and leadership
have laid the foundation for lasting change. We are
committed to working with disabled people and their
organisations, upholding the principle of ‘nothing about us,
without us'. I am confident that Scotland can become a country
where disabled people truly thrive.”
Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Disability Alliance Tressa
Burke said:
“This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the
collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are
grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled
People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for
responding positively. But it is a small step, when we need big
leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people
remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish
Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled
peoples' lives to deliver dignity and justice."
Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Scotland Heather Fisken
said:
“This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but
these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if
it there is accountability of delivery. We want this
accountability to be led by disabled peoples' organisations and
disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our
organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and
scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.”
Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland Lyn
Pornaro said:
“This shows the power of disabled peoples' campaigning, and is a
step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver
justice for disabled people will continue. This includes making
sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government
deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people –
that requires investing in our communities and including
services- not cutting the support we rely on.”
Background
Disability Equality Plan -
gov.scot
