HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING IN SCOTLAND

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING IN SCOTLAND

A forthcoming seminar in Fife aims to inspire disabled people in the Kingdom to influence the future of independent living in Scotland.

The Independent Living in Scotland (ILiS) project and Fife Independent Disability Network (FIDN) are holding the event at the Kingswood Hotel, Burntisland on Wednesday 10 February, from 10am until 3.30pm.

The ILiS project aims to support disabled people to have their voices heard at national and local level so that decision-makers work with them to deliver independent living.  

Jim Elder-Woodward, Convenor of the project’s Steering Group, said: “Independent living means disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, work and in the community. It does not mean living on your own or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.

 “For disabled people to be in control, they have to be pushing the boundaries and working with, challenging and raising awareness of independent living among policy-makers and service-providers.”

The Fife event will:

• Explore what independent living means, what it looks like, and whether it is happening already ,
• Examine the history of the disabled people’s Independent Living Movement and the issues facing it in Scotland today
• Explain how disabled people can become part of the Movement and achieve change by working together – for example, joining or setting up a group or lobbying MSPs, councillors and the media

Jim added: “We hope this seminar will build on what has already been achieved and inspire disabled people to to make their voices heard at all levels, take up their rights and achieve real change.”