Disabled rights group under threat as funds cut

AN ORGANISATION which champions the rights of disabled people and promotes equality and independence is at risk of closure due to a shake-up in funding.

Disability Wales, which was established in 1972, stands to lose 68% of its income from April 1, due to changes in the funding it receives from the Welsh Government.

Chairwoman Wendy Ashton described the loss of core funding as a “devastating blow”.

She added: “This is particularly serious at a time when disabled people – who make up one fifth of the Welsh population – are experiencing cuts to both benefits and services.”

The not-for-profit organisation had its recent application to the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant Scheme turned down and could close in four months’ time. According to the organisation, 20% of people in Wales are disabled and face higher levels of poverty than any other group of people.

They argue the situation has been worsened by continuing Westminster cuts to benefits and services.

Disability activist Simon Green said the potential closure of the organisation would have a “massive impact” on the disabled community.

He said: “Without Disability Wales, there would be no national representative pan-impairment, barriers focussed body able to co-ordinate the views of disabled people across Wales.”

A spokesman for the Welsh Government confirmed that Disability Wales did not qualify for core funding from the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant Scheme.

He added: “The Welsh Government is working with Disability Wales to see how it can assist the organisation to manage the change to funding and to secure a sustainable future. This is a difficult time for all in the public and voluntary sectors as we cope with reduced budgets.”