Disability equality plan

Introduction

We remain committed to building a fairer Scotland in which disabled people of all ages can flourish and barriers are removed so disabled people can realise their rights. This is not a vision that can be achieved overnight; it will take collective effort and investment over several years. That is why our Disability Equality Plan will be a living document that reflects evolving challenges and tracks our journey to deliver our vision for Scotland’s disabled people.

We have made difficult decisions to ensure that what is set out in this plan can be achieved in the challenging economic situation Scotland faces. It has been developed with dedicated input from DPOs. We greatly value their commitment to continue to work with us as we move forward into delivering the actions set out in this plan.

In this first phase of Scotland’s Disability Equality Plan, we will create the environment needed to deliver real change, such as by increasing accountability for disability equality and putting the lived experience of disabled people at the heart of decision making. We will also take action now, in a range of the most pressing areas, such as mental health, and improving the accessibility of advice and support services.

This initial plan should not be seen as the full extent of our ambitions. We know that there is more to do. We will continue to work closely with DPOs to deliver on the important actions outlined within the plan and to develop the next phase of our wider strategy to create a fairer Scotland for disabled people.