Tiphereth help launch consultation on Disability Commissioner for Scotland

Tiphereth welcomed Lothians MSP Jeremy Balfour recently, who visited the community to help launch his Bill to establish a ‘much-needed’ independent commissioner to better protect and promote the rights of disabled people.

Why does Scotland need a Disability Commissioner?

Jeremy Balfour, MSP, said that the pandemic had highlighted the inequalities faced by disabled people and underlined the need for additional safeguards.

The proposed Disability Commissioner for Scotland would play a similar role to the Children and Young People Commissioner, a post established in Scotland in 2004. The Commissioner would be viewed as the first port of call for all people with a disability – whether physical, learning or hidden – who are facing difficulties, and would work to promote the rights of disabled people across Scotland.

Jeremy Balfour MSP stated:

The Covid pandemic has highlighted the extent of the inequalities and discrimination that disabled people in Scotland still face today.

… From public facilities to government employment schemes, the needs of disabled people had been neglected and overlooked … for years even before the pandemic.

An independent Disability Commissioner would help safeguard and promote the rights of disabled people in Scotland and give people with any kind of disability someone to turn to if they face difficulties or discrimination.

I urge Scots to respond to the consultation so that we can ensure our proposals fully reflect the views of the Scottish public – and I hope that this much-needed Bill will receive cross-party support when it eventually comes before parliament.

 Support for the Bill

The principles of the Bill have already gained support from disability groups and charities.

Director of Camphill Scotland Emma Walker said:

Disabled children are being denied access to education, essential respite services are closing without explanation and archaic workplace practices are leading to limited work opportunities for disabled young people and adults.

There are now more barriers to equal citizenship for disabled people than ever before. We urgently need to prioritise the voices and experiences of disabled people, their families and unpaid carers. That’s why we welcome the consultation for the Disability Commissioner Bill, and I urge everyone to ensure that their voice is heard.

The Director of MS Society Scotland Morna Simpkins said:

A Disability Commissioner has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of people with MS in Scotland.

We urge people with MS and the wider disability community to engage with the consultation and make sure their views are heard.

How to get involved

Anyone interested in or affected by the proposal to appoint a Disability Commissioner for Scotland is encouraged to share their views on the proposed Bill for a Disability Commissioner for Scotland.

The consultation period will run for 12 weeks until August 3rd 2022.

Alternatively, you can email your comments to Robert McGeachy, Camphill Scotland’s Policy & Engagement Manager.