This article can also be accessed in British Sign Language (BSL) using the links below:
As the newest member of the Executive of the CDG, I was pleased to be able to attend our colloquium on Monday 14th May which had the aim of engaging a diverse panel and audience in constructive discussion about the value of “The Purple Pound”, the benefits of unlocking potential and moving ever forward towards equality of opportunity whilst realising the financial contribution disabled people make to our economy.
The panels included Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE – blind from the age of 14, former gold medallist Paralympian swimmer and director of integration at the 2012 Paralympic games, Chris Wood of Flying Disabled - father of 2 disabled children who, because of their experiences, is now challenging and supporting the aviation industry to “enable wheelchair users to fly with dignity and safety”.
Baroness Nicholson who was diagnosed deaf at age 16 and has been involved in various human rights campaigns both national and international, Lord Shinkwin who himself has brittle bone disease and works in various areas linked to charity governance and disability equality issues and Philip Connolly who was the creator of the term “The Purple Pound” and is Policy & Development Manager at Disability Rights UK. Diane Lightfoot, the Chief Executive of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) also made some very interesting contributions to the panel.
There was a refreshing honesty between the panel and audience members about the barriers faced by disabled people and how this negatively impacted the lives not only of disabled people themselves but also friends and family. Sarah Newton MP Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work delivered a keynote address. CDG President - Maria Miller MP - and our Parliamentary Link - Heidi Allen MP - also actively took part in the panel discussions and left us in no doubt that the aims and objectives of disabled people were being taken seriously and that we have governmental support for change.
Having entrepreneurs in the room with lived experience of various disabilities was important and whilst it was made clear that supporting disabled people to get what they need is essential, the emphasis was on what disabled people were able to give and what needs to change in society to make that possible.
I am Hearing but was born to Deaf parents and I work, rest and play within the Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) using community. For many years I have been struck by how much potential is wasted because of the communication barriers Deaf people face and also how many people experience (unintended) oppression that is significant enough to prevent individuals from actively promoting and seeking the equality they have a right to, in education, work and life. This event was informative, challenging and proactive in its bringing together of barriers experienced and has given a clear message that we minimise the contribution of disabled people at our cost.
To see now that the Access to Elected Office Fund is being reintroduced is positive news along with the creation of an Inter-departmental Ministerial Group on disability and society.
The CDG is made up of a diverse range of people with lived disability and experience and we actively champion the view that disabled people must be involved in the decisions being made that relate to them and that access is paramount. I learnt so much from the day and feel privileged to be part of this group, working towards positive change.
Alison Crook
Executive Member, CDG