Campaign calls on government for disability justice

The Campaign for Disability Justice launched in September, calling for Opportunity, Security and Respect for disabled people. 

The campaign aims to challenge claimant blaming and disability poverty, VODG, LD England, Scope, Inclusion London and DRUK are amongst the organisations signed up to support when the campaign launches.

28% of those in poverty in the UK are Disabled (3.9 million people) while a further 20% of people in poverty (2.7 million) live in a household with a Disabled person.  

Nearly half of the poverty in the UK is therefore directly associated with disability. 

Disability Rights UK says the Government needs to meet its responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.  

Campaigners are calling on Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to guarantee: 

Opportunity 

To support employers to create more accessible jobs and to ensure Disabled people have voluntary access to good quality employment support, without the threat of sanctions. 

Security 

To guarantee a decent standard of living for Disabled people, in or out of work, that adequately accounts for the additional costs they face. Improve social security so that everyone can live a decent life, whether they’re in work or not. 

Respect 

To lead the way in building a society that respects and values Disabled people and supports the development of local Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). 

This is a significant initiative to call for change, supported by national organisations such as Disability Rights UK, the Trussell Trust, Scope, Mencap, as well as many local Disabled Peoples Organisations. 

Visit the Campaign for Disability Justice website for more information.