Disability Equality Scheme
Consultations in September 2006
From the 5th December 2006 all public authorities will be subject to a new duty to promote disability equality in all areas of their work.
The duty requires that all public bodies, from local councils to government departments and from universities to hospitals, have due regard to the need to eliminate disability discrimination and also positively promote equal opportunities for disabled people. Equality of opportunity for disabled people cannot be achieved simply by treating disabled and non-disabled people alike and sometimes means that disabled people must be treated more favourably to in order to offer a level playing field. Public bodies will also need to encourage disabled people to participate in public life and also promote positive attitudes toward disability and prevent harassment of disabled people.
The duty is intended to make disability equality integral to the work of public bodies, rather than an addition implemented through adjustments to established practices. It should shift the focus from individuals complaining about disability discrimination to public bodies taking positive steps to bring about real change.
Public bodies are required to publish a framework setting out how they will comply with the new duty. This is known as the Disability Equality Scheme and will include an assessment of the impact existing and proposed activities have on disabled people and an action plan for the next three years. Public bodies will have to report on their progress every year and make appropriate changes to the Disability Equality Scheme at least every three years.
Public bodies need to involve disabled people when preparing a Disability Equality Scheme. Warwick District Council, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, is currently consulting on the content of their Disability Equality Schemes. The Council of Disabled People is supporting Warwick District Disability Forum to participate and have arranged three meetings for Disabled people to give their views.
The consultation will allow Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council to improve information and access to services and better target and fill any gaps in their policies. It will also ensure that disabled people are more involved and better represented.
The Council of Disabled People has been commissioned to support the Warwick District Disability Forum to meet with Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council to help them prepare a Disability Equality Scheme.
We would like to invite you to attend one of the consultation meetings. At your meeting you can tell Warwick District Council and Warwick District Disability Forum how to positively promote equal opportunities for disabled people.
Morning Meeting
Tuesday 12th September 2006, 10.00am - 12.30pm
(Lunch for all attendees will be provided from 12.45pm)
Afternoon Meeting
Tuesday 12th September 2006, 2.00pm - 4.30pm
(Lunch for all attendees will be provided from 12.45pm)
Evening Meeting
Wednesday 13th September 2006, 6.30pm - 9.00pm
(Refreshments for all attendees will be provided from 6.00pm)
All meetings will be taking place at:
Sydni Centre
Off Marloes Walk
Sydenham
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV31 1PT
Additional Documents:
Disability Equality Scheme Information,
Map of Venue & Invite