Equality & Diversity Forum, 11 th October 2006 The Office for Disability Issues

Improving the life chances of disabled people – A cross-Government report “By 2025, disabled people in Britain should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life, and will be respected and included as equal members of society”

The report said: Not enough joining-up of services for disabled people Not enough understanding about what disabled people want Not enough information and advice for disabled people

The report promised: A cross-Government strategy Joined-up services and benefits, which make sense to people who use them Involving disabled people at every level

The report also promised: An Office for Disability Issues To help Government Departments to work together And… A new advisory body – Equality 2025 To give disabled people a say in how things are done

The ODI will… Make sure disabled people have the same chances as non-disabled people by 2025 Make sure Government understands what disabled people think Be Government experts on disability

The ODI will also… Change people’s understanding of disabled people Help all Government Departments to do their job better Report to the Prime Minister every year

Relationship with CEHR ODI is responsible for policy relating to civil rights for disabled people We will also work with CEHR on projects relating to disabled people We will complement the work of CEHR by raising awareness about disabled people’s rights

‘The job of the Office for Disability Issues – and my job as the lead Minister – is to bring Government together to ensure that the disadvantage and exclusion faced by many disabled people is made a thing of the past …’ Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People

ODI contact Web: peoplewww.direct.gov.uk/disabled Post: Office for Disability Issues The Adelphi 1-11 John Adam Street London WC2N 6HT