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South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle’s blog: September 25, 2015

News | | Published: 15:22, Friday September 25th, 2015.

In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.

NO TO PAY RISE: Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle

Disability Wales

I was a speaker at the launch in the Senedd of Disability Wales’ manifesto for the 2016 Assembly elections.

As Plaid Cymru spokesperson on equality, I’ve raised the issue for the establishment of the post of Disability Commissioner in Wales to act as a strong voice for disabled people.

The idea received overwhelming support from disability organisations and after the First Minister initially called it an interesting idea it has been put on the back burner by the Welsh Government and I’m baffled as to why.

I’m against discrimination so why a commissioner for children, older people and the Welsh language – all of which I support – but not for disabled people? In my book that smacks of discrimination.

During the launch, I also raised the issue of incidents of hate crime against disabled people and the fact that far too many people with disabled children are living in poverty.

I won’t rest until I see Wales lead the way not only in the UK but across Europe in creating a nation where to be disabled might mean to have some physical or mental impairment but that does not prevent people with disabilities from being equal in every other way to the rest of society.

The Welsh Government needs to push this forward and not try to bury it. I certainly will continue campaigning.

Ty Hafan

I also attended the launch of a report on palliative care for children and young people in Wales which was commissioned by the Ty Hafan charity.

At the event were some of children with life limiting illness and you had to admire the bravery of those young people.

Ty Hafan’s hospice in Sully does a magnificent job of care and relies so much on the generosity of the public to deliver their fantastic services to children and their parents.

1 thought on “South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle’s blog: September 25, 2015”

  1. Pete says:
    Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11:55

    Differentiating people by their needs is paramount and the mark of a healthy society and I’m constantly pleased I live in a society that can afford this. I’m also pleased that we live in a society that chooses to do this, it’s just another indicator of just how great Britain still is despite our financial situation.
    A concise structure for administering those needs is also perfectly necessary, but to differentiate people legally is a path fraught with complications. Disabled people should be treated exactly the same as anyone else except in regards their needs.

    Whilst there is nothing specific I can pick out in this article, the general tone is of some “SMALL” concern. Treating disabled people as some special group with elevated status (regarding the mention of hate crimes) “COULD ” lead to seperation from society when integration is key.

    Do disabled people really want their disabilities constantly pointed out to them or would an inclusive and equal approach be more preferable?

    In summary pity detracts from dignity.

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