Disability Equality Plan Launched
Today marks a significant milestone as Scotland’s new Disability Equality Plan is officially launched. The Plan is the result of tireless campaigning by disabled people and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
Led by Inclusion Scotland, Glasgow Disability Alliance, and Disability Equality Scotland, this Plan was co-designed with the Scottish Government following the “Disabled People Demand Justice” campaign. That campaign mobilised hundreds of disabled people and allies across the country to call for urgent action in the face of deepening poverty, discrimination and exclusion.
As a direct result, the Scottish Government committed an additional £2.5 million investment in disabled people’s organisations, and today’s Plan outlines immediate and longer-term steps to increase accountability, invest in support and advice services, improve digital inclusion, and put lived experience at the heart of decision-making.
While this is a hard-won victory, the message from DPO leaders is clear: this is a starting point, not a finish line.
Tressa Burke, CEO, Glasgow Disability Alliance said that this Plan is a small step when big leaps are needed. Poverty and inequality remain at unacceptable levels. Both the Scottish and UK Governments must do more — and do it urgently.
Heather Fisken, CEO, Inclusion Scotland said that accountability matters. We want disabled people and our organisations to be leading scrutiny and shaping delivery. Good intentions aren’t enough.
Lyn Pornaro, CEO, Disability Equality Scotland said the plan shows the power of disabled people organising and demanding justice. The campaigning doesn’t stop here.
The Disability Equality Plan sets out the start of a roadmap for transformational change but the pressure must stay on to make sure it delivers.
