11 hours ago
Scottish Government launches Disability Equality Plan
The Disability Equality Report, published on Friday, sets out a series of actions to improve access to services and disabled representation within government.
Backed by £2.5 million in funding, the plan looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people.
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It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers.
The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – was developed alongside several Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs), including Disability Equality Scotland, Inclusion Scotland and Glasgow Disability Alliance.
Speaking at an event to launch the report in Glasgow on Friday, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said the plan marked a "significant milestone" and was "shaped by the lived experiences of disabled people".
(Image: NQ) "Scotland should be a place where every single disabled person can live a life of their choice with the support that they need to do that," she said.
"It should be a place where everyone can participate fully in society, access their rights, seize opportunities and thrive in their communities.
"Our investment is rooted in dignity, fairness and the belief that disabled people should be supported as citizens whose rights and contributions matter."
Kaukab added: "This plan is not the end – it's the beginning. A progress report in 2026 will inform the next phase of our long term strategy.
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"It's a clear signal of intent, a commitment to listen, to act, to pursue that lasting change in partnership with disabled people."
Heather Fisken, CEO of Inclusion Scotland, said: 'This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery.
"We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples' organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.'
Lyn Pornaro, CEO of Disability Equality Scotland, said: 'This shows the power of disabled peoples' campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue.
"This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services – not cutting the support we rely on.'
Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance, said: 'This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively.
"But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples' lives to deliver dignity and justice."
