To commemorate 30 years since the first disability discrimination act, disability rights UK are hosting a conference on 26 November.
The event, ‘30 years since the disability discrimination act’, will provide a space for members to talk about the progress and challenges that still impact disabled people in the uk via their zoom meeting.
Fazilet Hadi MBE, Head of Policy at Disability Rights UK, said: “Disabled people should be involved in all decisions that affect our lives. We know the most about our impairments and health conditions and how society disables us. We should always be part of policy making and decision taking.”
The speakers, including the charity’s CEO, will discuss topics such as the assisted dying bill, the continued work into Covid-19 public inquiry and accessible housing.
One charity that is providing physical assistance is Support Dogs, a UK charity that prioritises helping people with disabilities live safer, more independent lives.
Katie Williamson, Community fundraising assistant at Support Dogs, said: “The importance and value of assistance dogs for people with disabilities cannot be underestimated – two-thirds of our clients class their support dog as their main medical aid, and 100% of our clients have increased independence and reduced care needs”
Activism will also be a focus for this year’s conference, reflecting on the work done by disabled people and the Disability Rights Commission, an independent body set up to stop discrimination and promote equal opportunities.
Ms Hadi said: “Disabled people make up a fifth of the population, 16 million people. We should be treated as equal citizens but often are not. We live in a society not designed to meet our needs and we often have to battle for the support we are entitled to.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to get involved and directly share ideas about the charity’s future work.
BSL interpretation and speech to text material will also be available on the night.
Ms Hadi, added: “It is 30 years since the first legislation outlawing discrimination on the basis of disability. The Disability discrimination Act not only made discrimination unlawful but in addition, it required employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments, so disabled people are treated equally.”
The Annual general meeting will run from 3.30pm to 4.45pm and then the conference begins at 5pm until 6.30pm.