Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People
First Advisory Group meeting
The first meeting of the Project Advisory Group took place on Monday 2nd
February, and was attended by:
Maria Eagle - Chair (Minister, DWP)
Baroness Cathy Ashton (Minister, DfES / DWP)
Norman Glass (Director, NCSR)
Christine Lenehan (Director, Council for Disabled Children)
Bert Massie (Chair, DRC)
Sally Witcher (Chair, DEAC)
Stephen Aldridge (SU)
Bruce Calderwood (DWP)
Gareth Davies (No 10)
Ann Frye (DfT)
Nicholas Holgate (HMT)
Claire Tyler (SEU)
The Group discussed the Strategy Unit's findings from Phase One of its
analysis, in particular its assessment of priority areas and common themes.
Points raised in discussion included the following:
>> The project was welcomed by the Group as an important
opportunity to make a positive difference to disabled people's lives.
It would be important that the project should make a difference on the
ground - disability affects millions of people, and it is not acceptable
for these people to be disadvantaged compared with the rest of the
population.
>> The 'transition points' approach was welcomed by the
Group. The Strategy Unit would, however, need to be careful not to adopt
too linear an approach to the life cycle - and the Strategy Unit's
'common themes' were especially relevant in this context. There was
a general consensus that the 'early years' and 'childhood to
adulthood' transitions were especially important for those affected.
>> The common theme of 'early intervention' was
particularly welcomed. The Group asked for a clear analysis of the gains of
early intervention, and of the means by which early intervention could be
more effectively delivered at different points.
>> The Group also welcomed the Strategy Unit's intention to
consider how to apply the principles of effective public service reform to
disability services and benefits. There is clear scope for improvement -
for example in cutting waiting times for support, reducing the number and
complexity of assessments and improving inter-agency working and
information-sharing.
>> The Strategy Unit team should take on board the social model
of disability. It is not inevitable that a physical or mental impairment
should lead to a disability - the causes of disability are much more
complex, and are typically rooted in society and its attitudes.
>> It will be important for the Strategy Unit to address the
mainstreaming of disability issues as well as specific disability services
and policies.
>> In order to complement the macro-level analysis of policy,
the Strategy Unit should carry out a micro-analysis of processes, in order
to get a clearer perspective of the barriers faced by disabled people
'on the ground'.
>> The role of professional advisers and supporters would need
careful attention by the Strategy Unit. Although professionals would
undoubtedly have a role to play, this should not be at the expense of
individual empowerment.
>> In order to link in effectively with the Government's
current review of spending priorities ('Spending Review 2004'), the
Strategy Unit should consider the current balance of spending, and seek to
identify where the money could most effectively be spent. A number of
specific ideas were put forward by the Group. But the Strategy Unit was
also cautioned about the dangers of pursuing 'quick wins' - a more
strategic approach was needed, and was more within the Unit's remit.
The Group will next meet on Tuesday 4th May 2004.
