Paper to Disability Working Group Core Group Meeting, 28 November 2005
CROSS-CUTTING AND OVER-LAPPING RECOMMENDATIONS
Sally Witcher, November 2005
This paper groups together recommendations from different satellite groups which broadly relate to the same issue. It also lists recommendations which come from one satellite group but which have implications across the board, for content or process.
1. Underpinning/ Over-arching principles
Group 3
That the Scottish Executive leads by example and makes a clear statement of commitment to equality of opportunity for disabled people
Group 4
That the Scottish Executive agrees and publishes a set of principles that underpins the work of all departments: and this set of principles be based on that which underpins disability equality and independent living as defined by the disabled people's movement.
2. Campaign
Group 1
That work should be undertaken to encourage positive attitudes to disability through a Scottish wide advertising campaign, which includes addressing attitudes to disabled people in employment.
Group 3
A campaign should be undertaken by the Scottish Executive to address underlying negative attitudes towards disabled people
3. Disability Equality Training
Group 1
The Scottish Executive should develop quality standards for disability equality training and encourage wider take up amongst employers and employees of disability equality training.
Group 3
That research should be undertaken on disability equality training, including mapping current provision, investigating different approaches and their impact, and considering current and future need (subject to the findings of the current Scottish Parliament research)
That standards and/or accreditation for disability equality training should be developed
That disabled people should be encouraged to become disability equality trainers
That initial teacher education and continuing professional development should incorporate disability equality training, including communication impairment issues
That accrediting bodies for the professions should include disability equality training
4. Review
Group 2
That the implementation of the report of the Disability Working Group should be reviewed after two years and a progress report published.
5. Research
Group 2
That research should be undertaken to map the disability sector and understand the capacity of disability organisations to engage with public authorities, including collating of existing materials and databases.
Group 3
That research should be undertaken on disability equality training, including mapping current provision, investigating different approaches and their impact, and considering current and future need (subject to the findings of the current Scottish Parliament research)
Group 4
That current research on care and support services for disabled people should be reviewed and where gaps are identified further participatory action research be commissioned
(Do we have all the information on disability/ disabled people that we need, e.g. to establish base-lines to work from and measure progress? Is there more information that the Scottish Executive and other bodies could/ should collect and publish? Should there be a Scottish Executive research programme on disability?)
6. Public Life
Group 3
That targets for disabled people in public appointments should be reviewed and that the Executive should lead by example in the public appointment of disabled people
Group 4
That the participation by disabled people at all levels of public life should be promoted and resourced
7. Information needs
Group 1
That the Scottish Executive should investigate the feasibility of regional level resources for sign posting disabled people and employers to information, advice and advocacy on disability.
Group 4
That the Executive undertakes research to examine models of a single information resource or 'one stop shop' for meeting disabled people's needs, including support needs and information needs
8. Consulting with/ involving disabled people
Group 2
That there should be guidance for public authorities on involving and engaging disabled people.
That the Scottish Executive should promote shared or joint approaches by public authorities to local or regional engagement and consultation with disabled people
Group 3
That the Scottish Executive should develop practical guidance on inclusive communication and consultation; establish a website of good practice on consultation; and develop and promote inclusive communication environments; and provide a gateway to existing sources of information
That further and higher education institutions should involve disabled people through student consultation panels and thast audit and inspection bodies should monitor progress
9. Disability Equality Duty
Group 2
That work should be undertaken to build the capacity of disabled people and support their involvement in the implementation of the disability equality duty.
That public authorities' disability equality schemes should be the responsibility of a member of the senior management team (or equivalent), directly responsible to the chief officer.
The Scottish Executive, audit and inspection bodies and the Disability Rights Commission should consider a framework for auditing of the disability equality duty
Group 3
The Scottish Executive, audit and inspection bodies and the Disability Rigts Commission should consider a framework for auditing of the disability equality duty