Contact 100 - Manifesto For Inclusion - Policy into Practice
A new project directly involving disabled people
Introduction: Inclusion Scotland has always been aware that it cannot effectively carry out its aims, objectives and policies without the direct involvement and support of disabled people themselves. With this in mind we have launched a new innovation in direct involvement: CONTACT 100.
In June this year we were delighted to be able to employ a Policy Officer to join our team at Inclusion Scotland. Bill Scott is based in Edinburgh and his main tasks are to monitor the work of the Scottish Parliament in relation to disability issues and make contact with MSPs and policy makers to get our voice heard at the highest levels of policy and decision making,
Background: Following on from our much acclaimed Manifesto For Inclusion which was launched in 2005, and as part of our three year development plan, we are looking for an initial 100 volunteers to help us develop policies in a range of issues that affect our everyday lives as disabled people.We are rapidly becoming involved in many of the policy issues highlighted in the Manifesto here in Scotland as well as at UK level and we need people with an interest, knowledge or expertise to assist us in meaningful engagement and involvement with the public sector as a whole..
What does CONTACT 100 do? We aim to attract at least 100 disabled people, not just from IS member groups, to come together in small groups and look at the issues raised in the manifesto as well as other issues that arise from time to time including consultations papers etc.
There are many areas of work highlighted in the manifesto, some of them interlinked. So we are looking for groups of people who have an interest in one or more of these issues to come together and advise us. These groups would also act as sounding boards for policy and decision makers when planning policies and courses of action.
What will CONACT 100 achieve? By having a direct flow of grass roots opinion we can keep abreast of what is going on and make our contribution to resolving problems/issues, thus having a stronger say in our society.
How does CONTACT 100 operate? The Policy Officer – Bill Scott - will have overall responsibility for encouraging disabled people to become involved in CONTACT 100 groups. He will identify and advise on issues that are currently being tackled by the Scottish Parliament and other public bodies. He will also support the groups in their work.
Initially, the groups will start off as egroups and then expand to involve everyone who wishes to participate as funds become available. One member of staff or IS director will be assigned to each group to act as the group moderator.
Information will be channeled between the group by our Information Officer, Donna McSwiggan, and will then be collated by the team in order to form IS policy on given issues. Group members who have a particular knowledge in a certain subject may be asked to assist in writing press or media releases on their chosen area of work. Administration and agreed costs will be provided by IS.
Bill and Donna will work together to ensure that all necessary information is available to each group. Bill can be contacted at policy@inclusionscotland.org or telephone 0131 557 5777. Donna’s contact details are - information@inclusionscotland.org Tel 0141 887 7090
What next? Below is the list of contents in the current Manifesto For Inclusion –Policy into Practice. If you would like to be part of CONTACT 100, choose one, and no more than three issues you would like to be involved in then contact Donna at the above email address. We will get back to you as soon as possible. If you think there are other issues not on the list we should be tackling, please let us know. As stated above, Inclusion Scotland cannot effectively carry out its aims, objectives and policies without the direct involvement if disabled people. CONTACT 100 is yet another tool in our box. We hope you get involved.
Nothing About Us, Without Us!!
Manifesto contents list
Civil and Human Rights
Independent Living
Independent Living Assessment
Direct Payments
Advocacy
Housing
Transport
Education
Lifelong Learning
Engagement, Involvement and Participation
Employment & Training
Media Representation
Public Procurement
Access to the built environment
Access to open spaces
Access to information
Sexuality and sexual health
Treatment of disabled people in the NHS
Do not attempt resuscitation Ste cell research & genetic screening
Assisted dying
Can we help you? Our project Real Inclusion provides Training and advice on Disability Equality and Access. We can also carry out Access Audits to help you meet the requirements of your staff and the people who use or could potentially use your services and buildings.
From December 4th last year the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 places a duty on all public sector authorities to develop policies, procedures and services that not only combat discrimination but actively promote disability equality. This has a major impact on the way all public services are provided. You don’t need to be part of a public body to benefit from our training and advice, the information we provide is good practice for everyone. more….
 One Million for Disability: Sign Up for Disability Rights
50 million disabled citizens have the ambition to become equal citizens TAKE A STEP, MAKE A CHANGE One minute of your time can change the lives of 50 million disabled citizens SIGN NOW to reach 1 000 000 signatures
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