Foreword
Councillor Tracey Rawlins: Lead Member for Disability and Chair of Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee
'As the Lead Member for Disability, I’ve led the production of this new plan. I feel strongly connected to this work as I’m a disabled person myself, so I understand and have experienced some of the barriers people face. I want to do something about that. This plan is just the beginning. As has been demonstrated so well through the Age-Friendly Manchester work, the vision for this plan is for a city that enables all disabled Mancunians to reach their potential.
Many of the actions and changes highlighted in this plan are not within the Council’s control, so this calls for a partnership approach. In particular, we are asking the private sector, specifically in terms of employment, to be guided by some of the key messages included in this plan, and open up recruitment and job opportunities to disabled children and adults. More recently, we’ve heard about very positive outcomes for disabled children and adults through a range of Supported Internship programmes, and we would strongly urge you to find out more and get involved.
Thank you for taking the time to read this plan; we hope everyone can play their part in the future and together make a real difference.'
Councillor Bev Craig: Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing
'I’m delighted to co-launch and lead the new Our Manchester Disability Plan. Manchester is proud of its strong history of working with disabled people and disabled people’s organisations to promote equality and break down barriers for disabled people. Too often, barriers prevent our city’s disabled people in our city from living their lives to their full potential.
As the Lead Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing, I will make sure that the city’s health and care services fulfil people’s individual needs at their centre, helping and empowering people to achieve their potential. This plan is ambitious and needs us all to work together to break down barriers, tackle challenges and, importantly, listen to and be led by disabled people’s voices.
I look forward to working with you to turn this plan into action.'
Next: Introduction