Disability action plan could mean real improvements for disabled people, says Citizens Advice
20th January 2005
National charity Citizens Advice has welcomed a Downing Street report on improving life for disabled people.
The report says that by 2025 disabled people should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life, and be respected as equal members of society.
It sets out an action plan to support disabled people in leading independent lives, which the government has said should lead to greater participation and inclusion of disabled people in the economy and in society.
Main recommendations include enabling disabled people to live independently by providing support based on personal need and choice. The report envisages moving towards individual budgets for disabled people, drawing together the services to which they are entitled and giving them greater choice over the mix of support they receive in the form of cash and direct provision of services.
The report also promises to improve support for families with disabled children and to give young disabled people better opportunities and choices as they move into adulthood, as well as providing more support and incentives to help people with disabilities get jobs and stay in work.
Citizens Advice Head of Social Policy Dan Vale said:
"The measures outlined in this report have the potential to transform many disabled people's quality of life. But we are concerned that too much emphasis on disabled people commissioning their own services could unintentionally make it more difficult for them to access the services they want and need, unless the support and advice they will need to do this are also put in place.
"We are delighted that a more appropriate definition of 'disabled persons' will be introduced for community care services, and that charging regimes will be reviewed. We hope this will lead to improved rights to services for those with the most severe physical and mental impairments."
Last updated: February 23, 2007