Personally speaking
As explained in the introduction, any actions developing from the plan will arise from the real-life experiences and ideas of disabled Mancunians.
We have worked with disabled children and adults and their supporters to develop this plan. They told us about their good and bad experiences, their frustrations and aspirations, as well as their opinions on how things are now and how they think things should change in the future.
Serena is 18 and has participated in many sports. She has been a regular participant at the CADS school holiday camps, making the journey from just being a participant to becoming a coach:
“I am a volunteer for Inclusive futures, working as a sports coach with young people and their families to get them involved in inclusive sport. I like working here as the lead coach helps me plan some of the activities, so I can look at how to adapt the session for the group. I get to meet new people too and work with other volunteers.”
During the consultation on development of this plan, disabled children and adults said they can face many barriers and challenges. They described life as a ‘battle’ or a ‘fight’, and many found the constant requirement to repeat themselves ‘exhausting’ and ‘frustrating’. Many also found themselves isolated. Some of the comments clearly showed that while service providers think they have good policies, procedures and services in place, the effects aren’t always experienced in the way those service providers expected.
- Hate crime and other forms of crime.
- Transport.
- The amount of bureaucracy.
- Attitudes in health and social care.
- Easily accessible and up-to-date information on where to get help.
However, it should come as no surprise that everyone’s experience was unique, so it is obvious that what works for one person may not work for another. That’s one of the reasons disabled children and adults play such a key role in the development of this plan.
“The reduction in day services means that people’s wellbeing is suffering, including that of carers.”
“Attitudes towards people with speech impairments and those who have had a stroke are really poor. People think they are drunk.”
It’s fair to say that most of the comments were about barriers, but other comments we received from disabled people show some areas work well and are making a positive difference to the quality of life of disabled children and adults in the city. For example, the work that has been undertaken over the years to improve the accessibility of transport and buildings (eg leisure centres) was particularly welcomed.
Support from the voluntary and community sector, disabled children and adults’ organisations, and public sector services also works well for some.
Other positive experiences mentioned in the consultation included:
- supported employment schemes
- regular checks from GPs and other medical services
- accessing mainstream education
- staying in employment
- housing and adaptations
- proactive support from social workers and social housing providers
- carers’ services
- positive attitudes from and good experiences with health, the police, education and housing providers
- integration and partnerships.
“Stagecoach buses respond to feedback straight away and change things. They do disability training for drivers. Inspectors check that your journey is okay and whether you have any problems.”
“Being a member of a voluntary group, e.g. Manchester Disabled Access Group, gives support, confidence and motivation. It gives people a role, a task, and a job – it gives people a sense of purpose.”
“Local police officers are good – we have a good relationship and I can talk to them.”
“Voluntary work provides positive experience.”