McVey must seize the Paralympic initiative

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Scope has called on the new Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey to "seize the initiative" created by the Paralympics.

Ms McVey published the Government's disability strategy, Fulfilling Potential, setting out plans to enable disabled people to achieve their aspirations and play a full role in society.

"The London 2012 Paralympic Games have challenged outdated perceptions of disabled people," she said.

"They have provided a platform for greater understanding and inclusion, and a stronger focus on ability rather than disability.

"Fulfilling Potential will build on this and is about making the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People a living reality for disabled people in Britain today.

"Last December we invited disabled people to help shape a new cross-government disability strategy. We received an overwhelming response.

‘Fulfilling Potential - the Discussions So Far' summarises the issues raised, and shows how actions are already being taken across Government to address many of the issues."

Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of disability charity Scope said:

"We wholeheartedly agree that the Paralympics has had an impact on the way people view disability, and that we need to build on the momentum.

"There has been a lot of discussion about the legacy of the Games. We believe that the legacy of the Games should be a Britain where we focus on what disabled people can - rather than can't – do.

"This new cross-government disability strategy is the perfect opportunity for the Government to seize the initiative, and bring the issues that are important to disabled people to prominence within the corridors of power and beyond.

"We hope that the new Minister will champion disabled people and use this strategy to put the day-to-day reality of disabled people's lives at the centre of policy making."

Mr Hawkes added:

"This is a critical time for disabled people. Disabled people are facing spiralling living costs at the same time as their financial support and local social services are falling away.

"We hope to work with the Minister so that the disability strategy becomes a starting point for the Government to put in place the support disabled people need to achieve their aspirations in all walks of life."

Ms McVey MP also announced a new disability action alliance, involving organisations from across the private, public and voluntary and community sectors.

Convened by Disability Rights UK and supported by the Office for Disability Issues, the alliance will put disabled people and their organisations in "influential roles".

"It will lead the way in promoting local communities which include disabled people, and identify action to change attitudes and behaviours, increase choice and control and encourage early interventions to support independent living," she said.

"We will continue to work with disabled people and publish in the autumn, an analysis of the latest statistics and research, to help build a deeper understanding of disability in our society today; and in 2013 a further strategic document and action plan."