Detrich’s Weblog

First day back at the desk and my day job as coordinator of Brent Advocacy Concerns since the winter break.

My postbox is full of consultations. I fill one in free for Partners for Brent concerning participation in the local strategic partnership. I note that Healthcare for London is Consulting the Capital and as a part of this Brent Training Primary Care Trust will be running a road show. I wonder what a health road show is and who the stars will be.

But pride of place goes to a pristine day-glo version of the Paralympics Disability Equality Scheme. I wonder if anyone reads these things, if anyone takes them seriously. I would hope so. But it concerns me that any scheme using the definition of disability as promoted in the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act vs Don’t Do Anything) is failing the more important duty to promote the social model of disability which advocates for the inclusion of all disabled people. It constantly baffles me that an Act which failed the three tests we applied to our demands for a civil rights act that it be:

• inclusive of all disabled people
• comprehensive in that it covers all aspects of our lives
• enforceable in law

receives the respect and credit that it does.