First Public Meeting For Government Advisory Network Of Disabled People

Equality 2025, the United Kingdom Advisory Network on Disability Equality, will hold its first public meeting in Birmingham on 12 November 2007 to get the views of disabled people on issues they would like the government to address.

It was established in December 2006 to act as a voice for disabled people across the UK and to influence policy and service delivery design at an early stage. The body was set up following intensive work with an advisory group of 13 disabled people who were recruited through open competition to advise government on the role, remit and membership of Equality 2025.

It is looking to attract a diverse audience from around the UK to participate in this interactive meeting.

More information is available at here

Two new members who have been appointed to Equality 2025 will attend the meeting.

The new members increase the diversity of impairment groups represented on Equality 2025 and help ensure effective links with disabled people and their organisations across the UK.
Dr Gary McGladdery joined Equality 2025 in May 2007. A disability Officer at Queens University in Belfast, he has been employed by a number of organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, including Disability Action Northern Ireland. Dr. McGladdery has extensive experience in disability research, policy development and legislation.
His appointment will provide a vital link to enable disabled people in Northern Ireland a voice in disability issues in Westminster.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr. McGladdery said:
"I am delighted to be appointed as the Northern Ireland Reserved Appointee for Equality 2025. This represents a great personal opportunity to assist in the process of achieving full equality for disabled people across the UK, with particular focus on Northern Ireland. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the work of Equality 2025 and look forward to helping to bring about positive change over the next few years."

Pauline Latchem attended her first meeting with Equality 2025 in July 2007. Ms Latchem identifies as a Deaf person and is a British Sign Language (BSL) user.
Her appointment will provide a crucial link with the Deaf community and help Equality 20205 to consider issues that affect all disabled people in the UK. She has extensive voluntary and paid experience and has worked with deaf and hearing people of all ages. She is committed to the full inclusion of marginalised disabled people, including those with learning disabilities and mental health issues. She is an experienced trainer and advocate, and a qualified counsellor.

On joining Equality 2025, Ms Latchem said: "I feel hugely privileged to join Equality 2025 and to be part of such a dynamic and experienced group. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity to put forward the views of Deaf BSL users and marginalised disabled people and to actively promote change and inclusion for all."

The aim of Equality 2025 is to influence government's policy at an early stage so that disabled people get the services they want, when they need them. It has a membership of 23 disabled people with diverse impairments, skills and experiences.

Source: GNN

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