On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Henry Smith MP has been celebrating the contribution that disabled people make to our country.
Commenting, Henry said:
“After a summer that saw the Paralympic Games, and Paralympians like Maidenbower resident Ben Jesson, completely change the perception of disabled people across the country, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution that disabled people make to society.
“I’m committed to this year’s theme - removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all – and through the Government’s role models campaign and funding for disabled peoples user led organisations, I believe that we can create such a society.”
The cross-government disability strategy – Fulfilling Potential – includes a number of measures to support the contribution disabled people make to society:
- A Role models campaign to help inspire young disabled people to fulfil their potential.
- Setting up the Disability Action Alliance, which will take practical actions to improve the lives of disabled people by asking local groups to get involved.
- £3 million funding for Disabled Peoples User Led Organisations (DPULOs) to play a pivotal role in making sure disabled people have their voices heard at every level.
- A new Paralympics Legacy Advisory Group to help ensure that a strong legacy for disabled people is embedded in the legacy programme.