The government has launched a new Disability Action Plan which highlights the 32 steps to making the UK the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live, work and thrive.
The plans have been created following consultation with disabled people, their families and interested parties.
Specific actions include:
A new fund to help support disabled people who want to be elected to public office
Building an online information hub for local authorities on creating accessible playgrounds
A new working group to educate business on the legal rights of assistance dog owners and make it simpler to report when they are refused access to a business
Ensuring disabled people’s experiences are fully taken into account during reslilience planning for emergencies
Publishing research into the accessibility of private sector services and products
Considering disability when discussing climate change
Addressing concerns about Ultra Low Emission Zone and Clean Zones leading to disabled people feeling excluded from city centres.
The cabinet office’s Disability Unit will also be working with other government departments to explore bidding to host and deliver the 2031 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
The publication of the Disability Action Plan is just the latest in the government’s drive to improve the lives of disabled people. Funding has also been increased for the education of children and young people with more complex needs and two Acts have been passed, the British Sign Language Act and the Down Syndrome Act, both of which work to improve the lives of people with additional needs in the UK.
Mims Davies MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, said: “This new wide ranging plan means disabled children can rightly enjoy the fun of the playground, disabled customers can use the services they’re entitled to and businesses who break laws around assistance dogs will be firmly held to account amongst other impactful changes.
“I look forward to seeing the immediate impact of the Disability Action Plan while we deliver on long term reforms to make this country the most accessible and importantly equal place to live in the world, so everyone can live their lives to the full and thrive.”
The Disability Action Plan sits alongside the National Disability Strategy which outlines the government’s long term vision for transforming disabled people’s lives for the better.
