The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People's Rights
Plan, a ten-year commitment to making sure disabled people can
participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales. The
plan sets out practical actions and long-term goals to tackle
barriers across employment, transport, education, healthcare,
housing, independent living, digital access, and public services.
Shaped from the outset by people with lived experience and
expertise through the work of the Disability Rights Taskforce,
the plan responds to real challenges faced by disabled people in
daily life. Following a public consultation, it has been
strengthened with new areas, including Parents and Unpaid Carers,
Digital Inclusion, and Climate Change, and includes a clear
framework to track progress and measure impact.
The Welsh Government's Disability Disparity Evidence Unit will
monitor progress, while a new External Advisory Board, led by
disabled people, will provide independent advice and guidance on
the implementation of the Plan.
The plan includes actions to improve employment opportunities for
disabled people. A Welsh Government Disabled People's Employment
Champion has recently worked with the Disability
Inclusion Officer for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board,
David Chaffey, to progress the organisation to
Disability Confident Leader status.
David Chaffey said: "My own lived experience has
provided first-hand insight into the barriers disabled people can
face when accessing services. I'm proud to work for an
organisation that believes inclusion is about creating the right
environment for everyone to succeed, and the support and
adjustments I've received have enabled me to thrive in my role
and contribute to making our workplace more accessible for
others.
“I very much welcome the Disabled People's Rights Plan. A clear
national commitment to equality and inclusion is essential: it
sets expectations, drives accountability, and sends a powerful
message about the value of disabled people's contributions in all
areas of life.”
The Welsh Government will highlight support available to disabled
people through its Claim What's Yours campaign in January,
including a £100 cost-of-living payment for those on the Council
Tax Disabled Band Reduction Scheme who also receive Council Tax
Reduction.
Co-chair of the Disability Rights Taskforce, Professor
Debbie Foster, said: "This Plan is the culmination of 5
years work. It began in 2020 with the groundbreaking 'Locked-Out'
report, which I authored and co-produced with disabled people
during the pandemic. Its hard-hitting recommendations prompted
the Welsh Government to respond by establishing a Disability
Rights Taskforce. This novel initiative put disabled people's
voices and lived experience at the centre of the policy
debate. As Taskforce co-chair, nominated by disabled
people, I am extremely proud of what we collectively achieved and
thank everyone who participated. The Plan takes this
foundational work forward over the next 10 years and I look
forward to continuing to play a part in this. What disabled
people in Wales now need is a public cross-party declaration of
their commitment to this Plan and the resources needed to
implement it."
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice,
, said: "We are committed
to ensuring that disabled people can participate in Welsh society
on an equitable basis, free from barriers, and to creating an
inclusive and accessible environment for all. This 10-year plan
represents our commitment to true inclusion and participation.
“I thank the Disability Rights Taskforce and everyone who
contributed to the consultation, ensuring the plan is grounded in
lived experience. We must now all work together to make sure the
plan succeeds and that the values of accessibility, inclusion,
and co-production are central in all that we do."
Notes to editors
Disabled People's Rights
Plan 2025 to 2035 | GOV.WALES
