I have always campaigned for everyone in society to have a good and dignified life; to have real choices, to have autonomy, and to be able to access support. These values have always underpinned my political work and my work as Minister for Equalities.
This is why I was so pleased last week to launch the Improving Access Fund, offering £1.5 million in grants to help break down barriers and to strengthen the services disabled people rely on.
It is a key part of our £3 million Disability Equality Plan, co-designed with Disabled People’s Organisations who will be able to access funding tailored to them, rather than having to mould their plans to match funders’ missions. It will improve access to essential services for disabled people, and promote independent living, choice, and participation.
Scotland must be a country where disabled people can live the lives they choose, and be supported, empowered, and included every step of the way.
Work from the Glasgow Disability Alliance shows that over 90% of respondents feel under attack and de-prioritised. This has real consequences for people’s lives, including poorer mental health and reduced participation in daily life. It is exactly these barriers the Improving Access fund will help to break down.
This Fund is not the end of our work; it is a strong step towards a fairer and more inclusive Scotland and will make a real difference to the everyday life of disabled people.
