05/12/2011
On Monday the 5th of December 2011, The United Kingdom’s Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) played host to the South Australian Minister for Disabilities, Hon Ian Hunter at their office in Stratford, Newham. The Minister’s visit follows the publication of the South Australian Social Inclusion Board report,
‘Strong Voices, A blueprint to enhance life and claim the rights of people with a disability in South Australia (2012-2020)’.
The Minister aims to learn more about the individualised funding approach to disability services which exist in the United Kingdom prior to making a final determination about South Australia's system.
Newham was the first port of call on Minister Hunter’s itinerary. The Minister, accompanied by two of his colleagues, spent the morning discussing current issues concerning disabled people in the UK; Independent Living, Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) with UKDPC’s Acting Chair, Ms Julie Newman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jaspal Dhani.
Ms Newman says:
“We were delighted to have been able to welcome Minister Hunter to Newham, and to be able to discuss matters of interest and of concern to disabled people around the world”.
Mr Dhani says:
“The consultation visit by the Minister and his colleagues symbolises the success of UKDPC and the wider disabled people’s movement in the UK”.
In 2012, UKDPC will be hosting an international Disability Arts Festival in Newham, “Together 2012” for the duration of the Paralympic Games.
