Scottish Government Disability Equality Scheme
Involvement of Disabled People
1. The Disability Discrimination (Public Authorities) (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 require the Scottish Government as part of the specific duties to:
- publish a Disability Equality Scheme demonstrating how it intends to fulfil its general and specific duties
- involve disabled people in the development of the scheme
2. The Government recognises the importance of meaningful and effective involvement of disabled people in the development of its Disability Equality Scheme. To ensure this, we approached the involvement of disabled people in a number of ways. We wanted to build on existing relationships with disabled people and disability organisations which have been influencing Scottish Government policy for a number of years. However, we also realised the importance of reaching beyond existing relationships and involving disabled people who have not in the past engaged with Government.
3. To meet directly with disabled people to discuss the Disability Equality Duty and the development of the Scottish Government's Disability Equality Scheme, we held a number of 'Get Involved' events arranged by three grassroots disability organisations (Inclusion Scotland, Scottish Disability Equality Forum and Scottish Council on Deafness) on our behalf. A further meeting with disabled people who had participated in the earlier events took place on 7 November to look in more detail at the shape of the Scottish Executive scheme and further prioritise action across departments. Further information about these events and the duty to promote equality for disabled people can be accessed through the links below: