2021 has been an extremely difficult year for many Disabled people.
Our lives have continued to be dominated by COVID and its devastating consequences. We are acutely conscious of the high number of deaths of Disabled people, the risk that COVID poses to those of us who are clinically vulnerable, and that many of us still have to live on insufficient income, live in inaccessible housing and receive little or inadequate support to live independent lives.
We continue to speak out strongly on these issues to Government, Parliament, businesses and the media. We have worked closely with Disabled People’s Organisations and allies to build strong alliances and to connect Disabled people to information, advice and support.
Despite the challenges we face at every turn, we are building a movement for change which is strengthening and growing.
Disabled People’s Organisations are coming together to create a louder, unified campaigning voice. Disabled individuals are challenging breaches of the Equality Act across the country and in the courts.
Disabled people are supporting each other. Disabled people in sport, business, the arts and media are becoming increasingly more visible and influential. Every day, millions of Disabled people find the courage, ingenuity and determination to overcome barriers and to contribute to society. What we do is impressive.
We still face many obstacles before society truly recognises, values and includes us. But we are relentless. We are dynamic. We are innovative. We are building a movement for change – the changes we all want to see in society, where we have full equity of access to all areas of life. Disability Rights UK is determined to play a full and front-facing role in this movement.
As we come to the end of this year, we want you to know that we will be entering the new one with determination and our ongoing commitment to upholding the rights of all Disabled people.
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas and a more hopeful New Year.
Kamran Mallick,
CEO Disability Rights UK