1 July 2004 - Lasting legacy of European Year of Disabled People
The £2.3 million spent on projects for the disabled during last year's European Year of Disabled People was money well spent, confirms an independent report which has been backed by Maria Eagle, Minister for the Disabled.
She said that the various projects had a lasting impact on the rights and participation of disabled people.
The Minister said: “Up and down the country, the Year enabled a tremendous variety of activities and opportunities that helped increase the sense of confidence and empowerment of the disabled people and disability organisations that took part.
“For many, including me, the European Year of Disabled People was a year to remember.”
More than 170 local and national projects received funding from the Government and European Commission ranging from £600 to £50,000.
Lasting outcomes detailed in the 'European Year of Disabled People 2003: UK Evaluation' report include:
- The Black Vote Counts in Huddersfield sought to raise awareness among African Caribbean disabled people and carers of the importance of using the vote.
- Listen and Learn at Fife College of Further and Higher Education enabled disabled students to produce a video and CD-ROM documenting their experiences in relation to access and social attitudes.
- Torfaen Citizen's Advocacy in Wales trained a team of users of Cwmbran Skills Development Centre to provide an advocacy service for their peers.
- Belfast Arts in Disability enabled 260 performers to enter drama and music awards, culminating in a showcase gala awards evening.
A second document, 'Final Management Report' from the UK Government to the European Commission (EC) was also published this week. This details the various EC-supported activities in the UK and will be used by the Commission when preparing its own Europe-wide report to the European Parliament and Council.
These publications follow the publication in December 2003 of 'Government and the European Year of Disabled People 2003: A Year of Progress', which marked the close of the European Year of Disabled People.
More information can be found on the Disability website