News

Footage of a attack on a man in a wheelchair will be played in cinemas this month by Scope to highlight how physical assaults are becoming part of "disabled people's everyday lives".

The advert highlights the fact that disabled people are four times more likely to be assaulted than non-disabled people.

Attacks
The graphic images, shot in CCTV-style, depict a fictional incident in which an assailant kicks and punches the disabled man before leaving him lying on the ground.

Scope is also running newspaper adverts designed to raise awareness of other forms of discrimination against disabled people, such as inadequate social care support and poor access to polling stations.

Discrimination
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Scope, said violence had become a part of “disabled people’s everyday lives”.

“It is as real as sexism, racism or homophobia but sadly less people are aware of this kind of discrimination, or indeed outraged by it,” he said.

The adverts are part of the charity’s Time to Get Equal week, which sees the publication of research revealing the poor quality of life experienced by disabled people.

Nearly a third felt they did not get enough help and support from other people to be able to be independent, and only 14% said they felt happy.

Lobby
On Wednesday (JUNE 11), dozens of disabled people and disability rights organisations will gather in Downing Street in support of the Independent Living Bill.

Scope, the National Centre for Independent Living, Radar, and other organisations want the government to adopt the private members’ bill, introduced by Lord Ashley of Stoke, that aims to give disabled people greater choice and control over their lives.

Scope is also urging people to sign a petition asking the government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the end of this year.

The UK has signed the treaty but not ratified it, leading to concerns that some aspects may not be adopted. The petition already has 2,500 signatures.

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External information

Scope

National Centre for Independent Living