Thurso campaigner slams UK government for 'failing disabled people'
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A disability campaigner from Thurso has criticised the British government after a special report slammed it for making "slow progress" in improving the lives of disabled people.
After the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last week warned that the Government is failing disabled people, Louise Smith said that this has been something "that most disabled people, their families and friends have known for a long time".
The EHRC report submitted to the United Nations warns that many disabled people continue to face discrimination in the UK, and that the situation will continue to deteriorate especially with the current cost-of-living crisis.
The Thurso-based campaigner noted how the UN recommendations from a 2016 inquiry had not been acted upon and that the lives of disabled people in the country have got "even more difficult". She says that the disabled often face long waits on decisions for benefit entitlement.
The government has set aside money to encourage disabled people back into work but most disabled people are "still waiting" for help, she adds.
"I am luckier than most as my renewables consultancy work can be done remotely from my laptop at home.
"I am helping clients fulfil their renewable energy goals in offshore wind, electric vehicles and onshore schemes such as solar and large scale battery storage."
Ms Smith says that one of the main issues she has is with how her health issues are being dealt with and she feels this "impedes" her.
"I am still awaiting for an electric wheelchair assessment from Inverness and in the meantime have been lucky enough to privately acquire an adapted vehicle. So I have done everything I can to get out of the house but am desperate for government controlled services to get me into a powered wheelchair. My MSP Maree Todd has taken up my case and has made much more progress in the last few weeks than I made in the previous year."
The EHRC report found gaps in "meaningful engagement" between governments and disabled people throughout the country. It noted how there are a disproportionate number of disabled people living on low incomes or in poverty with some facing long waits for decisions on eligibility for benefits.
A government spokesperson said it was reforming the health and disability benefits system and was investing £2bn to support sick and disabled people back into work.
Ms Smith has been involved with the Caithness Disabled Access Panel (CDAP) for many years. Access panels are groups of disabled volunteers and supporting organisations who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities. They are described as "pan-disability groups" meaning they don’t focus on just one disability but look at accessibility in the broadest possible sense.
Allan Tait, senior development officer with Caithness Voluntary Group (CVG), said: "CDAP is one of the most active in Scotland and would be delighted to hear from people who have an interest in this area and want to make Caithness and all its attractions accessible to all.
"The panel will next come together on the 30th of August when they will join with other community and statutory organisations attending a workshop looking at poverty issues and what can be done locally."
The event organised by CVG is being held in the Pulteney Centre. For more information on CDAP email office@cvg.org.uk
