Disabled urged to have their say on strategy

People with disabilities in Sunderland are being urged to have their say on a new National Disability Strategy.

The aim is to improve job prospects, education access, housing, and commuting for millions of disabled people – with100immediatecommitments.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Our new National Disability Strategy is a clear plan – from giving disabled people the best start in school to unlocking equal job opportunities. This sets us on a path to improve their everyday lives.”

Michael Potts, chairman of the North East Regional Stakeholder Network said: “The strategy is the start of the journey to empower and support the North East disabled community.

“The needs of the North East have many unique and importantdifferencestoother parts of the country.

"With this strategy these needs can be heard by government.

“Thisisauniqueopportunityforthedisabledcommunitytoimprovethesituation. Ihopeweasacommunitycan work together to improve things in this region.”

The strategy is focused on improving inclusion in the workplace and tackling the disability employment gap.

Itwasformulated with the input of more than 14,000 disabled people as part of the UK Disability Survey and the department of Work and Pensions is also urging disabled people to have their say in shaping the futureofthebenefitssystem.

The consultation survey is available in a range of versions at https://getinvolved. dwp.gov.uk/05-policy-group/ health-and-disability-greenpaper/