Our Lives Our Choices to tell MPs of crisis in adult social care

Disabled people will lobby their MPs at Westminster on Wednesday to demand more investment and support for independent living.

The mass lobby in London is organised by the Our Lives Our Choices coalition and campaign, which is supported by disability organisations, and hopes to urge MPs to support the Independent Living Bill.

One of the organisations, RADAR, claims that people are reaching “breaking point” as local authorities tighten eligibility criteria and raise the cost of care. 

It claims that there is a “crisis in our social care system” which is failing to support the needs of disabled people, older people and carers.

Liz Sayce, chief executive of RADAR, said: “It is unacceptable that in today’s society individuals can be forced to live in institutional care against their will and that basic care needs such as assistance with eating and going to the toilet can be neglected.”

Sayce added that there was an “acute need” for advocacy and communication support so that the voices of people with disabilities are heard.

The Independent Living Bill supports the rights, freedoms and choices of the elderly and disabled. It was drafted by the Disability Rights Commission and introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Ashley in June 2006 before going through the House of Commons.

More information

RADAR

Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill

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