A review of Government policy on independent living for disabled people was today announced by Baroness Royall, Government Whip and Health spokesperson.
Speaking during the second reading of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill in Parliament today, Baroness Royall said:”Independent living is a reality for some disabled people in spite of the disabling barriers that still exist. However, in its fullest sense, independent living is still a dream for too many. The Government has made huge strides in enabling more disabled people to live autonomously, but there is a long way still to go before disabled people have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people. That is why we have set up a review to make independent living a possibility for all disabled people.
“This cross-Government Independent Living Review will identify the practical next steps we need to take and look for creative solutions to the many obstacles faced by disabled people.
“The review project will be led by a team in the Office for Disability Issues, with Jenny Morris as its Executive Director. It will be steered and shaped by an Independent Living Expert Panel, chaired by Dame Jane Campbell.
“I am enormously pleased that these two eminent experts have agreed to work closely with the Government on this project. The review will bring the views, thinking and experience of independent living experts into the heart of Government and will build on the work that the ODI is doing cross-departmentally to make equality a reality for all.”
The review will initially take 12 months and will:
* Bring together the views and experience of officials from central and local Government, disabled people and organisations of disabled people
* Develop imaginative new solutions in the areas of health, social care, transport, employment and housing
* Develop thinking on the relationship between independent living and individual budgets
* Make practical proposals for activity to support independent living.
The review will regularly report progress to the Independent Living Expert Panel. Detailed proposals are expected to be published in Summer 2007.
Publisher: Clare Fischer
Published: 14/07/2006