UK failing on disability rights

Tonight the BBC revealed that the UK has government has receieved a less than positive report from  the  UN Committee on the Rights of Disabled Persons (CRPD), who found that recent reforms in social security unduly discrimate against disabled people.  The full article can be accessed here.  Ironically, in a report which mentions stereotyping and negative portrayal of disabilities, the two images used are firstly of someone in a wheel chair, and secondly, of wheel chair (disabled) car parks.  At least the government recognises some diversity in disability.


Unsurprisingly, the government disputes the reports findings, noting that they provide a range of work and health related support, not just social security.  Although not mentioned in the article, one example of this is the Access to Work program, which provides assistance to people with diabilities, to enable them to find, or return to work.  The program recognises that no two cases are the same, and works with individuals to provide solutions appropriate for their own needs and job role.  As someone who has benefitted from this program, I know that it has definitely helped ease my transition back into full time work. It is a shame that welfare reforms adopt a similar approach where the outcomes are not only more tailored to meet the needs of individuals, but where the processes involved are designed to ENABLE everyone to contribue as much as they can to society, in whatever role that may be...