A series of seminars aims to inspire disabled people to influence the future of independent living in Scotland.
The Independent Living in Scotland (ILiS) project, is holding several outreach events this spring at venues throughout Scotland, with plans for further events later in the year. The seminars will explore the concept of independent living and encourage people to get involved.
Two Capability staff members have been actively involved with the ILiS project which is grant funded by the Scottish Government and aims to support disabled people to have their say on how independent living should be delivered.
Employment Link Officer, Gavin Dayer, featured as a case study in a DVD which was screened at the project’s November launch. Parliamentary and Policy Officer, Mark Cooper, is an Independent Living Ambassador which will involve him visiting organisations and groups to talk about his own experience of Independent Living.
Gavin commented: “The ILiS is doing great work in highlighting the many issues that surround independent living for disabled people. More importantly they are providing a channel through which we can engage with policy makers and make them aware of the challenges faced by disabled people on a daily basis.
"Everyone has a right to live independently and be responsible for their own life, but it can be difficult to know where to start. I found it took a lot of patience and persistence to get myself set upon my own but it was definitely worth it and going through the process has made me feel more in control of my own life. Hopefully the forthcoming seminars will both inspire people to take up their rights in relation to independent living and offer practical advice about where to go to for information and support."
Jim Elder-Woodward, Convenor of the project’s Steering Group, said: “Independent living means disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, work and in the community. It does not mean living on your own or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.
“For independent living to really work and for disabled people to be in control, then they have to be pushing the boundaries and working with, challenging and raising awareness of policy-makers.”
Jim added: “We hope these seminars will act as a catalyst to inspire disabled people to make their voices heard at all levels, take up their rights and achieve real change.”
Capability's Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, commented: "As a major ally of disabled people, Capability Scotland supports the ILiS project which is encouraging individuals across Scotland to get involved in the campaign for independent living. We are pleased that some of our own staff members have been participating in ILiS and hope that this involvment continues as the project progresses."
For a full list of events, venues and details of how to register please email Contactilis@equalityhumanrights.com or call 0141 228 5910.