On Tuesday, 6 February 2024, the NNPCF attended the launch of the Disability Action Plan, presented by Mims Davies,the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including supporting ministers and representatives from various segments of our community. It provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
The recent launch of the Disability Action Plan represents a step forward in implementing the objectives outlined in the 2021 strategy. This plan obtained views in 2020, with a national consultation to gather insights and perspectives on a disability plan and strategy. Building upon the feedback received during this consultation, a comprehensive strategy was officially launched in October 2021.
The aim of the plan is to tackle the barriers which prevent disabled people from fully benefiting from and engaging in our society. Following a consultation that resulted in four broad categories:
- Improving disability inclusion in existing government policies
- New actions focused on the specific needs of disabled people.
- Improving cross-government collaboration
- Strengthening the evidence base
Over the next 18 months and beyond the plan sets out 32 actions across 14 areas:
- Support disabled people who want to be elected to public office.
- Include disabled people’s needs in emergency and resilience planning.
- Include disabled people’s need in climate-related policies.
- Improve information and outcomes for families in which someone is disabled.
- Make playgrounds more accessible.
- Help businesses understand the needs of and deliver improvements for disabled people.
- Explore if the UK could host the Special Olympics World Summer Games
- Support people who have guide and assistance dogs
- Help the government measure how effective its policies and services are for disabled people.
- Research issues facing disabled people in the future.
- Make government publications and communications more accessible.
- Improving understanding of the cost of living for disabled people
- Promote better understanding of the UNCRPD across government.
- Monitor and report progress of the Disabled Action Plan
The NNPCF had the opportunity to speak directly with Minster Davies and were able to highlight the importance of inclusion for across all ages and look forward to working more closely with the department on some of the key areas.
For more information on the Disability Action Plan see: Disability Action Plan – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)