The survey is a rare opportunity to influence government policy regarding disability issues.
The survey is an attempt to collect the experiences of disabled people that will help determine the Prime Minister’s upcoming National Strategy for Disabled People – a manifesto pledge.
Views are sought on many aspects of life – from employment opportunities to the public’s attitudes towards disability. The survey launched today is aimed at disabled people, carers, charities and other stakeholders.
The survey is based on what disability organisations have said needs addressing but is also a place for disabled people to share their experiences of discrimination and abuse, with signposting for any victims to further support.
Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said: “Understanding people’s real experiences of living with a disability and their views on what needs to change are essential if we are to truly change the landscape for disabled people.
By taking part in this survey people everywhere can help shape our national strategy, ensuring that the interests of disabled people are front and centre as we build back better.”
The Prime Minister made the National Strategy for Disabled People a manifesto commitment, putting disabled people at the heart of improving opportunity for all. Its aim is to improve disabled people’s lives by tackling the barriers they may face, opening up opportunities and focusing on the issues disabled people tell the Government matter to them.
The Government has led extensive engagement with a variety of stakeholders, disabled people’s organisations and people from all parts of Society that are affected by disability ahead of the publication of the National Strategy later this year.
The Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson hosted a series of engagement sessions at the end of last year, including with the Royal National Institute for Blind People, Macmillan, and disability organisations operating in Scotland.
The survey will be hosted on the engagement platform, Citizen Space and will be fully accessible, with BSL, Easy Read and audio versions available. The Government will also be hosting roundtables in the coming months with disabled people and disability organisations as part of an ongoing programme of engagement to publicise the survey and raise awareness of the Strategy.
The survey will be open until 23 April and responses received before 13 February will inform the development of the Strategy, with those after that date used to inform its delivery.
The UK Disability Survey can be accessed at: https://disabilityunit.citizenspace.com/cabinet-office/ukdisabilitysurvey/
