New group for disabled formed

LOCAL services will only improve if the people who use them get involved in how they are developed.

This is the founding belief of the new Disabled Users Reference Group, which is looking for members.

The group will work in partnership with East Sussex County Council, the Primary Care Trusts and East Sussex Disability Association's Inclusion Enterprise, a not-for-profit social enterprise, to help these organisations improve access to adult and children's health and social care.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The group is due to get up and running formally in April 2008 - but some work has already started.

A survey of potential members has asked what sort of issues the group should tackle first, and questioned people on the different ways they might like to become involved, for example through surveys, focus groups or mystery shopping exercises. People can select the ways they want to get involved and commit to as much or as little as they want to.

Councillor Bill Bentley, lead county cabinet member for adult social care and East Sussex Diversity Champion, said: "Even in the 21st century access to health and social care services for people with disabilities can still be problematic as can everyday activities that able bodied people take for granted.

"This new group will have a unique viewpoint, in terms of a real understanding through experience of health and social care from a disability perspective. Together we want to see improved access to local services and to challenge incorrect public perceptions about disabilities. This is why I'm so keen to see this group up and running, raising issues, and working with decision-makers across the county to bring about real change that will improve the everyday lives of disabled people."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sarah Playforth, of Inclusion Enterprise, said: "This is a great opportunity for disabled people to influence the way services are delivered to them. I urge everyone who experiences barriers and difficulties in their daily lives as a result of their impairment to be part of this group and help make services truly accessible."

The new group will be run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.

Anyone who encounters barriers in their daily life, because of a mobility, sight or hearing impairment, learning difficulty, disfigurement, mental health issue, or a chronic illness which results in disability, is eligible to join.

To find out more, please contact:- Tel: (01424) 205414

Website: www.eaconsultancy.co.uk