OVERVIEW

There are over 11 million people classified as living with a disability in Great Britain today. The prevalence of disability rises in line with age, and with an increasingly ageing population, it is anticipated that in the future 50% of people will suffer with some form of impairment.

If living with a disability is not enough to contend with, disability sufferers are subject to further issues that non-disabled people do not necessarily experience. Disabled people are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Half are unable to find work and those that do often find themselves in low-paid, short-term or part-time employment. Despite the very positive impact of the 2012 Paralympics, two-thirds of disabled people report inequalities and negative discrimination, with them often being subject to aggression and harassment from the wider public. A quarter feel that they lack the choice and control over their own lives and are disempowered.

It is little wonder therefore that those suffering with a disability feel unable to realise their life ambitions and aspirations.

In December 2011, the government announced the development of the disability strategy. 'Fulfilling Potential – Working Together to Empower Disabled People' is a cross-government initiative to promote independence and equality. During consultation, the government asked disabled people and representative groups to give feedback as to how to remove the barriers that limit aspirations, give individuals more control and change societal attitude. In September 2012, the Office for Disability Issues (ODI) published two further reports. 'Fulfilling Potential – the Discussions So Far' outlines the results of the consultation and subsequent action and plans, whilst 'Fulfilling Potential – Next Steps' sets out the future intentions.

The Disability Action Alliance has been established between the ODI and Disability Rights UK to consider the suggestions coming through the consultation process to ensure the voice of disabled people is heard in creating inclusive communities and empowerment. The latest addition to the Fulfilling Potential agenda is 'Building a Deeper Understanding of Disability in the UK', which aims to develop analysis of evidence to develop the strategy further in terms of indicators, actions and outcomes.

Although the government has well intended plans to enhance the lives of those living with a disability, there has been much written and debated about how the recent welfare reforms may adversely impact people's lives. Could the abolition of the Disability Living Allowance in favour of Personal Independence Payment be the cause of more hardship and poverty?

The government is committed to reforming public services to allow disabled people to live more independently with greater choice and flexibility. Improving educational outcomes, developing opportunities for employment and removing limiting factors to achievement are key elements in allowing disabled people to play a full role in society. The long-term aim of the strategy is to improve lives. Realising aspirations, promoting community inclusion in a fair and equal society, whilst raising awareness and changing attitudes must be put at the heart of any policy.

At Action On Disability – Fulfilling Potential, Supporting Independence, delegates will hear from a line-up of expert speakers who will discuss the current situation, analyse future plans and debate contentious issues allowing each audience member to get a true understanding of the way forward.