Spotlight on need for disability strategy

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Jersey is way behind the UK when it comes to protecting disabled Islanders according to the man in charge of the body representing the voluntary and community sector.

The States don't even know exactly how many disabled people there are in Jersey but that’s something they plan to find out before they approve the Disability Strategy sometime next year that will eventually shape legislation to help protect disabled Islanders.

CEO of the Jersey Voluntary and Community Sector Ltd John Pinel said: “We have no disability legislation at all, we are generations behind what is happening in the UK in terms of discrimination laws. It’s bottom of the pile – four or five years away - meanwhile we are operating without any sort of legislation for those with disabilities.

"We estimate there are about 18,000 people with disabilities in Jersey, of which 6,000 have severe difficulties with everyday life. These are big numbers.

"We are light years behind other jurisdictions in terms of disability legislation. There are a number of initiatives underway that will support the development of a Disability Strategy, which is the first step in getting closer to fair and acceptable disability legislation.”

Mr Pinel is confident last weekend’s disability showcase has shown sitting politicians and those standing in next month’s elections what the dozens of groups are doing to help people living with some form of disability in the Island and how important it is to push forward with a Disability Strategy.

Mr Pinel says it’s important politicians engage with and support a Disability Strategy to enhance the lives of those with disabilities and the showcase was a good chance for them to find out the scale of services currently provided and the challenges and issues they face.

He said: “We share a vision of a society that promotes and protects good health and social wellbeing for all and treats people with disabilities fairly, positively and with respect. A Disability Strategy, therefore, is as much about social models of how people are treated, valued and listened to, as it is about medical models. “

The showcase was a platform for representatives from more than 30 voluntary and community organisations to meet up with each other and get a better understanding of the services they each provide.

Those who took part in the showcase included Shopmobility, St John Ambulance, Jersey MS, SNAP, Police Awareness, Triumph over Phobia, Parkinsons Disease Society, Jersey Blind Society, Children's Services (HSSD), Guide Dogs for the Blind, Allcare Jersey, Adult Services (HSSD), Maison de Landes, Salvation Army, Les Amis, Jersey Haemophilia Group, Cheshire Home, Mencap, Brighter Futures, Tutela Jersey Ltd, Audiology (HSSD), dDeaf Partnership, JEND, Occupational Therapy (HSSD), Jersey Human Rights Group, Dyslexia Jersey, Words and Numbers Matter, Acute Services (New Hospital), Family Nursing and Home Care, Citizens Advice Bureau, Epilepsy Action & Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)