23/07/2004

Public sector urged to make disabled rights 'top priority'

The public sector has been urged to deliver a programme of "real change" to make the rights of disabled people a top priority.

Speaking on the day of the publication of Delivering Equality for Disabled People, Minister for Disabled People Maria Eagle said that the public sector had a responsibility to lead the way in rights and attitudes.

"I want to see a real commitment from them to lead the way both as an employer and as a service provider," she said.

"This consultation is vital if the public sector is to champion the rights of disabled people and I want everyone working within or outside the public sector to tell us what they think. This is why we will be holding public events for people to get involved in."

Ms Eagle added: "This measure is part of a package from the government to stamp out discrimination for Britain's 10 million disabled people".

As part of the recommendations of the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill, public bodies will be under a new duty to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people as well as making sure they do not discriminate when carrying out public functions.

Major organisations delivering important public services such as health and education will be required to publish and implement a plan setting out how they will improve the way they deal with disabled people.

The consultation period ends on 21st October 2004.

(gmcg)

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