Office for Disability Issues

Established at the end of 2005 to work across government departments but situated within the Department of Work and Pensions, it aims to ensure that disabled people are a priority in the work of government “throughout their lives”. Where services have been disjointed and present barriers to disabled people, the Office will ensure that departments work together. Its work will include “challenging government from within”, as well as changing public perceptions of disability. It intends, too, to be a centre of expertise on the subject.

The Office has developed a new National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People and has established a task force for independent living as recommended in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit’s report, Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People. It works to a ministerial steering group from the DWP, Department of Health, Department for Education and Skills, Department of Transport and the Department of Trade and Industry. It will publish an annual progress report to the Prime Minister.

Acting Director: Stephen Martin
Director from September onwards: Tim Cooper
Address: Office for Disability Issues, Caxton House, 6-12 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NA
Email: office-for-disability-issues@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.odi.gov.uk