Disability groups warn political parties they must listen

All political parties will have to prove their commitment to
improving services and support to people with disabilities to earn
their votes, according to an alliance of disability groups.

The statement came as an alliance of six organisations launched
Disability Agenda Scotland (DAS) their disability manifesto for the
general election. The launch was attended by all the major
political parties and heard the alliance call for co-ordinated
national strategies to: improve the take-up of benefits, improve
employment and training, and better define disability in the
Disability Discrimination Act

Alan Dickson, chief executive of Capability Scotland, said that
at the last general election 60 per cent of polling stations had
difficulty in allowing access by people with disabilities, and the
mood was becoming more militant. Dickson said: “Those who are
disabled are ready to vote. People want to know that the political
parties are ready and willing to listen to the views of the
disabled electorate, and to do something about it.”