Scottish Gov launch action plan tackling inequality for disabled people

A disability action plan with more than 50 commitments to make sure Scotland leads the way on the rights of disabled people was launched yesterday.

The delivery plan for 2016-2020 has been drafted in consultation with disabled people and will help Scotland meet the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Launching the extensive plan at a meeting of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Glasgow, Communities Minister Marco Biagi said: “This Government is committed to equality and we want to make sure that disabled people enjoy the same human rights as non-disabled people. Over the last few years we have made good progress but there is still a long way to go and with more than 50 commitments ranging from education and health to transport we are confident that this plan will go a long way in making life for disabled people in Scotland fairer.

“At a time when the UK Government is undermining the human rights of disabled people with its programme of austerity and welfare cuts, we are committed to furthering their rights and engaging a wider section of the population in the debate. We firmly believe that disabled people’s rights are human rights, and that human rights must apply to everyone.

“I would encourage everyone to consider our draft delivery plan carefully and respond to the consultation document so that together we can make this the strongest plan of action for disabled people across these islands.

“We want to work with disabled people over the months and years ahead, to remove disabling barriers and enable them to enjoy equal access to full citizenship, so that they can maximise their potential and add to the success and prosperity of our country.

Welcoming the Scottish Government’s plan, Dr Jim Elder-Woodward OBE, Independent Chair of the Scottish Independent Living Coalition said:

“This is a good starting point towards building a Fairer Scotland for all disabled people. There is a great deal more to do, by Government and by others, to ensure that we enjoy the same rights to full and equal citizenship that other people take for granted. As disabled people we know best the changes needed to remove the disabling barriers we experience. We welcome these draft commitments and urge disabled people to seize this opportunity to have their say and to share with the Scottish Government what needs to happen to make the rights we have on paper the reality we experience every day.”