New plan to break barriers for disabled people in Wales

The Welsh Government recently published its Disabled People’s Rights Plan, a ten-year commitment to making sure disabled people can participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales.

Shaped from the outset by people with lived experience and expertise through the work of the Disability Rights Taskforce, co-chaired by Professor Debbie Foster of Cardiff Business School, the plan responds to challenges faced by disabled people in daily life.

It sets out practical actions and long-term goals to tackle barriers across employment, transport, education, healthcare, housing, independent living, digital access, and public services.

Co-chair of the Disability Rights Taskforce Professor Debbie Foster, based at Cardiff Business School, said: “This Plan is the culmination of five years work. It began in 2020 with the groundbreaking ‘Locked-Out’ report, which I authored and co-produced with disabled people during the pandemic.

“Its hard-hitting recommendations prompted the Welsh Government to respond by establishing a Disability Rights Taskforce. This novel initiative put disabled people’s voices and lived experience at the centre of the policy debate.

“As Taskforce co-chair, nominated by disabled people, I am extremely proud of what we collectively achieved and thank everyone who participated. The Plan takes this foundational work forward over the next 10 years and I look forward to continuing to play a part in this.

“What disabled people in Wales now need is a public cross-party declaration of their commitment to this Plan and the resources needed to implement it.”

The Welsh Government’s Disability Disparity Evidence Unit will monitor progress, while a new External Advisory Board, led by disabled people, will provide independent advice and guidance on the implementation of the Plan.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “We are committed to ensuring that disabled people can participate in Welsh society on an equitable basis, free from barriers, and to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. This 10-year plan represents our commitment to true inclusion and participation.

“I thank the Disability Rights Taskforce and everyone who contributed to the consultation, ensuring the plan is grounded in lived experience. We must now all work together to make sure the plan succeeds and that the values of accessibility, inclusion, and co-production are central in all that we do.”