MP Joins "Fight back" Against Disability Discrimination
18.06.04
Fearing local authorities will not meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act this October, Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey has pledged his support to the campaign to end discrimination against disabled people in all aspects of their lives by signing EDM 1280 on Disablism and Time to Get Equal.
By adding his signature to the motion this week, Edward Davey MP joined 76 other MPs asking for the Government to recognise the widespread existence of disablism in the public and private lives of UK residents. This measure calls on the Government to take action by instructing Government departments and passing relevant legislation that guarantees equal treatment for the millions of disabled people across the country.
Despite legislation passed under the Disability Discrimination Act instructing businesses and other services to adapt their premises for disabled people, the Disability Rights Commission expressed concern that many services and premises would still not be accessible by the time the Act goes into effect this October.
Edward Davey MP was alarmed by these recent findings.
"Earlier this year, I joined the Disability Rights Commission Open4All Campaign to urge businesses in my constituency to act in accordance with the new legislation that will take effect in a few months time.
"I am now joining with Scope in their fight to ensure that those who suffer from disabilities have a fair opportunity to gain access to services such as public transport, banks, medical offices and obtain employment without fear of stigma.
"It is critical that disabled people are treated with the same human dignity and respect as others which entails that the Government takes steps to ensure that services and businesses are accessible to them.
"The Government must act now, so that disabled people will be able to access the services and jobs to which they are entitled."
For more information visit:
Scope "Time to Get Equal" Campaign
Disability Rights Commission
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