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WSAD is committed to its 3 key aims of
• Inclusion. To promote the inclusion of disabled people
fully in society, so that they can enjoy the same rights and
opportunities as non-disabled people.
• Independence To support independent living so that people
with disabilities may have choice and control over their lives and
be empowered to choose how they wish to live.
• Influence To give disabled people a voice enabling them to
plan and influence services provided to them.
In June 2005 WSAD altered its Constitution to reflect these key aims
and the principle of each member having a vote.
WSAD has joined forces with the Independent living Association (ILA) to promote
‘Independent Living.’ Independent Living is not about doing
everything for yourself, and living without help. It is about disabled people being offered the right to
choice and control over their own lives. Disabled people want to
be ‘included’ in society.
Coalition for
Independent Living
WSAD is working in partnership with the ILA to form a
Coalition for Independent Living (CIL). The CIL seeks to promote the
ideal of people living independently with the right level of
support. To achieve this we work together to influence the policy
makers and service providers of statutory organisations like health,
social services and education. We also seek to influence the
decision makers in both the business and voluntary sectors.
Sometimes change is achieved by working with organisations whilst at
other times a campaigning approach is needed.
Direct Payments, where a person receives an income to purchase
their own care and support, is a important aspect of independent
living. The ILA assists people in getting Direct Payments and
organising their care to support their choice of lifestyles.
The ILA also provides an Advocacy Service for disabled people.
For full information see the Links Page for the ILA contact details.
Disabled people’s basic needs
Disabled people have identified
twelve basic needs which, if met, would enable them to fully
participate in society.
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Full
access to our environment. |
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A fully
accessible transport system.
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Technical aids - equipment |
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Accessible/adapted housing |
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Personal assistance |
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Inclusive
education
and training
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An
adequate income |
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Equal
opportunities for employment
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Appropriate and accessible information
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Advocacy
(towards self-advocacy) |
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Counselling |
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Appropriate and accessible heath care provision |
WSAD is dedicated to
helping disabled people have these needs met. |
