RADAR - the disability network

RADAR’s 2009 National Dialogue on Disability Month, sponsored by Royal Mail Group, culminated today in a reception in Parliament for participants and MPs.

Every year RADAR co-ordinates a national month of dialogue on disability issues: through disabled people’s engagement with their MPs we aim to raise the profile and understanding of disability within Westminster. The event complements RADAR’s highly acclaimed MPs’ Guide on Disability (sponsored by HSBC), which is updated annually and distributed to all MPs.

This year’s scheme has involved around 150 disabled people (at least) meeting with 38 MPs. Participants have been raising key current national issues: from the Equality Bill to welfare reform, skills, employment, independent living and local issues such as local transport barriers, housing problems and accessible toilets. There has been very positive feedback so far from participants in terms of outcomes from meetings.

***Click here to download a full transcript of the speeches***

Click here to watch David Stocks, an MP Dialogue Scheme participant, describe what the MP Dialogue Scheme has meant for him.

David's speech can be read in full by downloading the transcript of speeches here.

Brian Jenkins MP (Tamworth) (left) with constituent David Stocks (right)

 Kay Allen, from sponsors Royal Mail Group, with Mark Harper MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People

John Barret MP, the Disability Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats who kindly hosted the event, gives his speech.

 Liz Sayce, Chief Executive of RADAR

Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disabled People, making his speech