Project overview
Introduction
The purpose of this report was to discover how the wellbeing of disabled people in the UK could be improved by drawing on insights from global practices in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, America and Ireland.
Summary of main findings
The factors that influence wellbeing are all interconnected.
Improving the wellbeing of disabled people was found to require a multifaceted approach, encompassing the following:
Adopt a holistic, personalised approach to wellbeing support
Ensure the integrated health and social care systems meet the needs of disabled people
Recognise that disability is a spectrum and can vary widely. Therefore society, policies and practices need to account for this diversity
Nurture collaboration between government, non-profit organisations, Disabled Person's Organisations and the disabled community
Establish advocacy to drive change, improve services and raise public awareness of the contributions of disabled people
Adhere to 'nothing about us without us' to ensure disabled people are included in all decisions that affect their lives
Secure a seat at the highest decision-making table for disabled people to ensure their voices and needs directly influence policies and programmes that affect them
Ensure disabled people have choice, autonomy and control of the services they require
Foster inclusive and supportive community networks
Use inclusive language to promote a more respectful and accurate representation of disabled people
Challenge societal perceptions of disability
Ensure adequate and sustained funding to enable disabled people to live full lives of their choosing and to participate in and contribute to society
Recommendations
Establish a dedicated UK Ministry for Disabled People
Align the UK disability system with the Enabling Good Lives approach
Address the continuing disparities in health and social care for disabled people
Establish a National Advocacy Framework
Improve collaboration
Change negative societal perceptions of disability