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News

Disabled People Invited To Influence Change

Poole Partnership , together with PRO Disability and the Borough of Poole, are inviting disabled people living and working in Poole to take part in their Positive About Disability consultation and influence organisations who design and deliver services in the area.

Recent changes to the Disability Discrimination Act mean that public agencies including the Borough of Poole, the College , the University, the hospital and other health services, Job Centre Plus, the Police , and Fire Service will be looking at how they ensure that disabled people are treated equally and that positive attitudes are promoted.

The Positive About Disability consultation, which includes an event on Friday 9th June at Hamworthy Social Club, Magna Road, is an opportunity for people with disabilities to tell public agencies what is important to them, what barriers they face and what can be done to overcome them.

People unable to attend the event can have their say by completing a questionnaire which will be available in accessible formats by post, e-mail and on the Poole Partnership website at www.poolepartnership.info .  Alternatively people can invite one of the consultation organisers to their users group meeting.

For a copy of the questionnaire by post or to arrange for an organiser to attend a users group meeting please contact Hilary Evans on 01202 633067

The outcome of the consultation process will be fed back in the autumn and resulting progress will be monitored closely. The aim is for this to be part of an ongoing dialogue between disabled people and agencies.

Councillor Ann Stribley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Champion for Equality and Social Exclusion said: "This year offers an exciting opportunity for disabled people to positively influence change in the services they receive and we urge users to take advantage of this forthcoming consultation process to have their say.  Together with the agencies in Poole Partnership, the Borough of Poole is committed to taking action on the information received and to continue to involve disabled people in decision-making."

Richard Dimbleby, Chair of Poole Partnership said: "Poole Partnership actively involves local people and organisations in shaping the future of their town. The Vision for Poole which has come from widespread consultation focuses on inclusion of everyone who lives and works here, sustainable development, and equality of opportunity for all. This consultation is part of our continuing consultation and involvement of local people to ensure the Vision becomes a reality."

Ros Barton of PRO-Disability said "This is a great opportunity for disabled people to promote disability rights and take part in ensuring that Poole becomes more inclusive for disabled people."

Belinda Thompson ASSC Independent Living Co-ordinator 01202 631177