Brian Keating Office for Disability Issues 21 November 2014

2 Department for Work & Pensions The Accessible Britain Challenge (ABC) Background We know that many disabled people face barriers in their every day lives that prevent them from being full and active members of their community. We also know that significant progress has been made in some communities to make them inclusive and accessible. But, there is evidence to show that progress is patchy and that is why this challenge is for all communities to do more.. Vision of the Challenge The vision of the Accessible Britain Challenge is for communities to become more inclusive and accessible by engaging and working with disabled people to remove barriers that get in the way of them being full and active contributors in their community.

3 Department for Work & Pensions The Accessible Britain Challenge. The Accessible Britain Challenge was launched by Mark Harper, Minister of State for Disabled People on 4 September 2014.

4 Department for Work & Pensions What will the Challenge do? The Accessible Britain Challenge aims to: motivate local communities to do more to be inclusive and accessible for disabled people; contribute towards building and maintaining strong and sustainable economic growth by harness the potential of disabled people supporting them to be active members of their communities; increase awareness and understanding of: –how a community can be inclusive and accessible for disabled people; –the potential benefits for local businesses and organisations of engaging with disabled people either as employers or customers; –the barriers disabled people face in their every day lives that prevent them from being able full and active participants in their community; bring about a change in attitudes and behaviours towards disabled people. encourage collaboration and co-production between disabled people and local organisations including local businesses, employers and service providers.

5 Department for Work & Pensions ABC Key messages There is a growing recognition that the 12.2 million disabled people across the UK make a core contribution to their communities in terms of employment and vibrant local economies. We want to build on this by harnessing, showcasing and sharing the initiatives and good practices that exist already. We want businesses to recognise the potential spending power that disabled people and their families have (£212 billion), and the contribution they make towards thriving local economies. Engaging with disabled people and working with them to co-produce and design solutions is key to making a difference to their everyday lives.

6 Department for Work & Pensions Accessible Britain Challenge online resource tool This has been published on GOV.UK at

7 Department for Work & Pensions ABC online resource tool – Good practice themes Changing attitudes and behaviours Choice, control and financial inclusion Education and employment Health and well-being Housing Information and access Social participation, friends and family Transport and mobility

8 Department for Work & Pensions Recognising success – ABC Awards Nominations for the awards can be made by individual disabled people or disabled people’s organisations in your community. There are 4 categories: –Improved mobility –Innovative use of buildings, places and spaces –Safer neighbourhoods, and –Inclusive social activities. Nominations are now open. Closing date is Friday 19 th December. The awards will be presented in March 2015.

9 Department for Work & Pensions Inclusive Technology Prize The aim of the Inclusive Technology Prize is to inspire technological innovation from individuals and small businesses to improve or develop Assisted Living, aids, adaptations, products and systems that will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people. We are looking for transformative innovation in products, technologies and systems that enable disabled people, their families, carers and communities’ equal access to life’s opportunities. Innovations can relate to any aspect of life including, but not exclusively to education, home, leisure, transport and work.

Thank you for listening any questions Brian Keating Office for Disability Issues 21 November 2014 ABC websitewww.gov.uk/accessiblebritainwww.gov.uk/accessiblebritain ODI websitewww.odi.dwp.gov.ukwww.odi.dwp.gov.uk