Written Statement: Consultation for Disabled People’s Rights Plan

I am delighted to announce the 12-week consultation for the proposed Disabled People’s Rights Plan, as part of our aim at advancing the rights and opportunities of all disabled people in Wales. 

This plan sets out our ambition for a Wales where disabled people can enjoy equitable rights, inclusion and participation. At the heart of our approach is the Social Model of Disability, which helps us to understand how disabled people can be disadvantaged and excluded by society. 

We are also guided by the principles and obligations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, which includes the right to independent living and sets out measures for social protection. The convention recognises the right of all disabled people to have a proper standard of living for themselves and their families, and the right to social protection and to the enjoyment of that right without discrimination.

I remain 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. As a government, we will continue to uphold our Welsh way of life, guided by our Welsh values and the voices of people in Wales.

This plan, based on the hard work of the Disability Rights Taskforce members, sets out our cross-government 10-year ambition and the long-term outcomes we are working towards to ensure disabled people can thrive as equal members of Welsh society, and to challenge discrimination and prejudice. 

I would like to thank everyone who supported the Disability Rights Taskforce and its working groups, and I thank Professor Debbie Foster, for her leadership as Taskforce co-chair. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Chairs who led the 10 thematic working groups:  Rhian Davies, Alice Moore, Angharad Price, Joe Powell, Willow Holloway, Damian Bridgeman, Natasha Hirst and Andrea Gordon.

This plan can only succeed if organisations and people across Wales work together to deliver it. We will set up an External Advisory Board to provide advice and support on the implementation, delivery, and impact of the Disabled People’s Rights Plan.

We want to hear from as many people across Wales as possible and I urge organisations and individuals to write in. 

I would also like to thank the many organisations who supported the work of the Disability Rights Taskforce and its thematic working groups.