Drew Hendry MP is backing Disability Agenda Scotland’s campaign to raise awareness about the positive contributions of disabled people and help to end the stigma and discrimination which they still experience.
DAS is calling for action to ensure greater support and opportunities for disabled people. DAS wants to see a concerted effort by the UK Government, Scottish Government, local authorities and other bodies to reduce the disability employment gap, as well as effective coordination to ensure between the UK and Scotland on the new social security system is underpinned by a commitment to human rights, dignity and respect.
Drew Hendry MP is supporting the call after hearing about the everyday challenges of living with a disability at DAS’s ‘Policy priorities for disabled people’ event in the House of Commons.
Representatives from DAS, an alliance of Scotland’s six major disability charities Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, Capability Scotland, ENABLE Scotland, RNIB Scotland, SAMH and Sense Scotland; highlighted that disabled people continue to feel they are not equal citizens in Scottish society and more needs to be done to improve their life opportunities.
Drew Hendry MP said: “It is concerning that disabled people are continuing to face barriers in their lives – whether it’s using public transport, applying for jobs or getting the support they need to take up everyday opportunities which others in society may take for granted.
“I urge disabled people in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey to contact me when they encounter difficulty accessing services or have experienced discrimination. I’m pleased to be supporting DAS’s campaigning to raise awareness about the many positive contributions being made by disabled people in our communities and to end the stigma of disability.”
Delia Henry, Chair of DAS, said: “We’re delighted Drew Hendry MP recognises more needs to be done to ensure the individual requirements of disabled people are met so that they can achieve their aspirations and begin to feel like valued members of society.”
For information about DAS, email: layla@disabilityagenda.scot or visit www.disabilityagenda.scot