MS leads international online event and calls for disabled people to be given “real voice, choice and independence”
As the Senedd’s ‘Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network’ Champion, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood last week led an international online session with them on ‘Listening to Disabled People, and their lived experience of the barriers to access and inclusion" in Wales, which included a presentation by a representative of Flintshire families with Autistic family members.
Mr Isherwood highlighted the Laws and Codes in place in Wales designed to ensure disabled people are not discriminated against and are able to access the support and services they need, but said despite these being in place, he regularly hears from disabled people “who are having to fight for the services they need”.
He said:
“The purpose of the Cross-Party Group on Disability is to address key pan-impairment disability equality issues, including implementation of the Social Model of Disability and the right to Independent Living.
“The Cross-Party Autism Group works to raise awareness and promote the interests of Autistic people, their families and carers, in the Senedd and the Welsh Government.”
He added:
“I am now in my 5th term as a Member of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet in what is now the Welsh Parliament or Senedd, representing North Wales.
“The Welsh Parliament prides itself on being disability accessible. It has always provided me with the equipment I need to follow proceedings as someone with Hearing Loss, and responded positively when barriers to disability access have been highlighted.
“Despite the Laws and Codes in place across Wales, however, I hear almost daily from disabled people, communities and carers I represent, who are having to fight for the support and services they need – and are entitled to - to enable them to lead an independent life. Above all, we must turn legislation and codes into action, to give Disabled people real voice, choice, control and independence.”
