MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: Today, we celebrate the
achievements and leadership of disabled people across Wales and
globally. Since the UN first recognised this day in 1992,
December 3rd has been a powerful moment to highlight the
contributions of disabled communities worldwide.
This year's theme – ‘Amplifying the leadership of disabled
people for an inclusive and sustainable
future' underscores a critical message - disability
inclusion is not just about social justice – it enriches our
entire society.
As co-chair with Professor Debbie Foster of the Disability Rights
Taskforce, I've witnessed firsthand how disabled people are not
just participants, but leaders driving meaningful change.
Our collaborative approach has placed those with lived experience
at the forefront of policy making.
In early Spring 2025, we will launch a comprehensive action plan
on Disability, co-produced with disabled people. The plan
will be based on the work of ten working groups:
- Embedding and Understanding the Social Model of
Disability
- Access to Services (including Communications and
Technology)
- Independent Living: Social Care
- Employment and Income
- Travel
- Independent Living: Health
- Children and Young People
- Affordable and Accessible Housing
- Access to Justice
- Wellbeing
This plan recognises BSL as a linguistic right and commits to
breaking down barriers. On 21st November, I
issued a written statement on
BSL policy development.
We are taking concrete steps to transform our approach to
disability. Disability Wales will deliver specialised training on
the social model of disability to Cabinet Secretaries and
Ministers. Our cross-Government commitment is to challenge
stereotypes, remove barriers, and ensure full participation for
all.
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act places a duty on the
Welsh Ministers to publish guidance to support political parties
to develop and publish Diversity and Inclusion Strategies for all
Welsh elections, and to publish information about the diversity
of Senedd candidates. This guidance is part of a wider package of
reforms to make the Senedd fit for the 21st century and
importantly to make democracy in Wales more representative and
diverse, both at a local and Senedd level. I was pleased to
launch the consultation on the draft guidance on 12 November and
we are inviting thoughts on the draft until 7 January. I was also
pleased to attend the Access to Politics Grassroots Network,
funded by the Welsh Government.
A Legislative Options Working Group, drawn from members of the
Human Rights Advisory Group, is advising the Welsh Government on
the next steps to progress the incorporation of the UNCRDP. This
independent group are testing an approach to analysing treaty
articles on a right-by-right basis to ascertain what can be
achieved through Welsh legislation. The work is novel and complex
and requires careful analysis. The Group will report progress to
the Human Rights Advisory Group in due course.
As we mark this day, our message is clear: Wales is committed to
creating a society that truly values and empowers every
individual, regardless of impairments.
Thank you to everyone involved in this work for your continued
support.
