Wales ‘Behind’ On Independent Living For Disabled People, Says Charity
Wales trails the UK in helping disabled people to live independently in the community, says a charity.
Disability Wales will tell a Westminster inquiry that the lack of a Welsh strategy on independent living disadvantages disabled people.
The inquiry is discussing whether changes to the law are needed.
The Welsh Government says on its website it is “committed to engaging with and listening to the needs of disabled people”.
The website statement also said it was “addressing the historical imbalance which has resulted in many disabled people being socially excluded and undervalued.”
Independent living would “be the best way to mitigate cuts in services and benefits,” argued Disability Wales
Rhian Davies, its chief executive, who will address the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry, told BBC Radio Wales that a Welsh strategy would lead to bodies such as councils, health trusts and police developing action plans and co-ordinating spending.
“People need support with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing, getting up,” she said.
Ms Davies said it was about “being in control of that personal assistance, not just waiting for someone to turn up at times convenient to the service – it’s about meeting your own needs”.
“It’s not just about getting out of bed, it’s about being able to be part of your community, whether that’s through voluntary work, or whether that’s through education and learning”.
The charity said that national policies have been introduced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and have presented a petition with over 700 signatures, calling for a Welsh strategy, to the Welsh assembly’s petitions committee.
Same Difference 