The Big Question

Will the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities make any difference for disabled people?

Len Smith – Gypsy activist
Other UN conventions, such as human rights, do seem to work. This one probably will too and should go a long way toward creating a greater respect and understanding of disability issues, and delivery of solutions. It seems to me that using the social model, while it might allow some grey areas when it comes to definitions, is a better way of looking at disability.

Angie Lawrence – Single mother
The fact that this convention specifically prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of life means that it is a massive step forward. However, there is now much work needed to educate the general public in this matter. I fear that this will take some time, just because it affects all areas of life.

Eve Rank – Inspired Services
In theory it should be good, but what good is it if it is stuck on a shelf like other policies such as Valuing People? The right to independent living sounds fine, but it just isn’t happening for most people with learning difficulties. They don’t get that choice and I’m not sure a convention will make it happen any more than anything else.

Jean Stogdon – Grandparents Plus
It all sounds perfectly obvious, but how well will it work in practice? My experience of the much longer established convention on the rights of the child is that it doesn’t have many teeth, no matter how laudable the underlying principles. My hope is that the convention on disabilities will lead to a better deal for disabled people.