Inclusion Scotland

The passing of another International Day of Disabled Persons marks another year of highs and lows for disabled people in the UK. Changes to the law and new government policy and initiatives have been welcomed by campaigners. But anxieties about welfare reform, funding for social care and independent living and the debate around 'right to die' legislation continue to be at the forefront of the disability movement's mind.

The minister for disabled people, Anne McGuire, is quick to try to allay fears and lists the progress that has been made: establishment of the Office for Disability Issues (ODI), which monitors and coordinates policy development for disability issues across government departments; changes to disability discrimination legislation; and new requirements on public authorities to promote disability equality, which came into force this week. The changes send a strong message that disabled people will welcome and come alongside new legal protection for people with cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV.

Lisa Power, head of policy at HIV/Aids charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, says changes in legislation so far have allowed those living with HIV to be more open about their diagnosis. 'People with HIV deserve a fair deal and the Disability Discrimination Act is helping to ensure they get it.'

And disabled people are pleased that some of their other concerns appear to have been taken on board. The welfare reform bill, currently in committee stage in Parliament, has seen a concerted lobbying effort by disabled people, with some concessions being made. While the devil may be in the detail, McGuire is clear about the government's approach: 'The reforms are not about forcing people off benefits, nor about forcing people into jobs.'

The growth of direct payments is also cause for celebration, alongside pilot schemes for individual budgets which give disabled people more independence.

Mental health issues have become more central, with some intensive lobbying work by mental health charities on government plans to revamp legislation in that area. In the autumn there was a flurry of activity around World Mental Health Day, including the launch of the government-backed Action on Stigma campaign. A number of public figures spoke openly about their personal experiences of mental illness.

Many of the changes made or in progress need to be considered in the light of Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People, the report published by the prime minister's strategy unit nearly two years ago. The report, which was broadly welcomed by disabled people, made more than 60 recommendations for government departments to consider.

Bert Massie, chair of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), believes the report has already made a difference now that families with disabled children no longer face a means test to get grants for adapting the family home, and it has helped 'push disability up the agenda'.

He, and many others, are now looking to the ODI to ensure the recommendations are followed up. It has been busy in its first year, but there's more to come, says Jos Joures, the ODI's assistant director. 'The ODI is working to develop proposals for a large-scale, longitudinal survey on the lives, needs and aspirations of disabled people.'

There's movement and change without a doubt - but is it enough? There are some serious issues still to be addressed, campaigners argue. Phil Friend is chair of disability charity Radar, and is particularly concerned about the impact of cuts that have seen many local independent living centres close - the kind of centres the Life Chances report says are crucial to promoting real choice<