Disability Charities call for Government to create Equal lives

Scotland’s six leading disability charities are calling on a future Scottish Government to make sure they create an environment where every layer of Scottish society recognises the rights of disabled people.

Working as Disability Agenda Scotland (DAS) the charities say that the Scottish Government should take the lead to ensure that hard won rights for disabled people are not diminished.

At the launch of their manifesto, 'Equal Lives?' DAS, which consists of Capability Scotland, ENABLE Scotland, RNIB Scotland, RNID Scotland, SAMH and Sense Scotland, asked whoever leads the next government to create a Charter for Disabled Citizens. This would include Scottish Government actively promoting the rights disabled people have and public bodies being held to account for their performances in relation to these rights. DAS says that disabled people account for 1 in 5 of the population in Scotland and they need to have faith that the Scottish Government will implement policies which ensure that they get the services that they are entitled to and have their rights enforced.

Representatives from the main parties took part in a debate at the manifesto launch chaired by BBC journalist Ian Hamilton on Tuesday 19th April in Glasgow.  Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Robert Brown (Lib Dem) Stephen Curran (Lab), Andrew Morrison (Con) and Martha Wardrop (Green) were asked questions by the audience on their parties' vision for disabled people in Scotland.

Speaking on behalf of DAS, Joyce Wilson, Interim Chief Executive of Sense Scotland said,

"Politicians, regardless of the party they represent, should realise that disabled people make up a significant part of the electorate. We hear a lot about low turnouts at elections but the majority of disabled electors actually vote - 91% voted in the 2001 election.  Disabled people make a huge contribution to this country and we are looking to a future Scottish Government to ensure that their rights and opportunities are not diminished.  "The current financial climate is difficult for everyone but government needs to pursue policies that pave the way for equal lives for disabled people."

Alan Dickson, Capability's' Chief Executive added,

"DAS brings Capability together with five of the most influential Scottish disability charities to continue our drive towards better rights and services for disabled people. We believe that a fair and equal society will only be achieved if disabled people, their parents and carers and similar minded organisations work together."