A Single Equality Duty fit for disabled people? We need your help to make it happen!
RADAR and RNID have prepared a briefing on the Single Equality Duty and current risks and opportunities for disabled people. (click here to download a copy). As highlighted in the briefing, there is a real risk that the Equality Bill will mean a step back for disabled people unless we show the Government how the Disability Equality Duty has helped disabled people. We need to show the Government why it is important to retain some features of the Disability Equality Duty, such as equality impact assessments and 'more favourable treatment' (in General Duty), 'involvement of disabled people', and action plans (in Specific Duties).
Caroline Gooding, Special Adviser to RADAR, is a member of the 'Specific Duties Reference Group' that advises the Government Equalities Office on the wording of the Specific Duties. She needs examples from disability activists and disability organisations so that she can tell the Government if their plans would mean a 'step back' for the Disability Equality Duty. They have asked for comments by the end of January. This is a great opportunity to tell the Government what difference the Disability Equality Duty has made to the way public authorities promote disability equality.
We need strong examples of actions that have been taken which are not 'easily measurable' or which would have been likely to be overlooked by 'equality objectives'. We also need to demonstrate how a public authority has taken measures that mean 'more favourable treatment'. This is where you come in... Identified throughout the briefing are areas where we need the examples. Please read through the document and identify any gaps you can fill. Please also circulate the document to anyone else you think may be able to contribute. Please can you send comments and examples to Caroline Gooding at goodingcaroline@btinternet.com by Tuesday 27 January or as soon as possible after this.
This is a great opportunity to tell the Government what difference the Disability Equality Duty has made to the way public authorities promote disability equality. Many thanks for your help!
And don't forget if you haven't signed up for the MP Dialogue Scheme please do so - we must ensure MPs are prepared to fight our corner for the Equality Bill.