Government launches strategy for the disabled

The government has published a strategy, which aims to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

The Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People report plans to provide all people with disabilities with the opportunity to improve their quality of life. It is a 20-year plan, which aims to ensure that all such individuals will be accepted as equal members of society by the year 2025.

The report, which was published by the Prime Minister's Strategy unit and is supported by four government departments, including the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills, makes recommendations across four key areas.

The strategy aims to increase the ability of disabled people to live independently at home, at work and in the community and provide family-focused support, childcare and early education, for families with disabled children. The plan also focuses on meeting the needs of young disabled people to ensure they receive a provision of support and services to help make a smooth transition to adulthood and improving employment prospects, through the use of ongoing personal support, as well as providing security for those unable to work.

The Prime Minister welcomed the report, saying that the ideas it contained would give disabled people "increased choice and control, personalised services and ultimately a better quality of life".

Mr Blair added: "As a government, we remain totally committed to improving the opportunities for disabled people and I really believe that working together we can achieve this goal."

A new Office for Disability will also be established, in order to coordinate government work on disability and ensure that it fits with the wider equalities agenda. It will report to the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle. Commenting on the report, Ms Eagle, praised its "radical vision" and said: "It sets out a full programme of action to support disabled people in leading independent lives. This will lead to significantly greater participation and inclusion of disabled people in the economy and in society."

(KMcA/SP)