Gordon Welcomes Visit From Disability Minister
Gordon joined Disabilities Minister Jonathan Shaw in town for a visit to the new Centre for Independent Living on Whitegate Drive and discussions on pioneering local project by local disability campaigners to reduce harassment and incidents against people with a disability in Blackpool.
Gordon who is the President of Blackpool Disability Services which runs the Rideability scheme, talked with staff and volunteers at the Centre as the Minister heard about how it is working as a ‘one-stop’ shop for visits, residents and local groups, both voluntary and statutory. The Centre will also be a ‘hub’ for people to call in and raise or report incidents of harassment or abuse people with disabilities experience in Blackpool.
The project is being pioneered by Bsafe Blackpool and co-ordinated by them and local Disability and Equalities campaigner Stephen Brookes who organised the briefing for the Minister - who heard from service users and local campaigners some of the problems people have faced. Gordon said afterwards ‘I was delighted to have been able to sit down with Jonathan and the other local centre users and campaigners and discuss the project and what we’re doing in Blackpool to promote awareness of disabled people’s views. I was particularly pleased to hear of the plans to work with local schools and parents to increase awareness that disability comes in many forms and degrees of severity and to combat stereotypes. We heard that disabled people can suffer abuse and misunderstanding because of this and I am looking forward to Government incorporating ideas from Blackpool in the Hate Crime Action Plan which has just been launched.’
Gordon, who recently was part of the successful MP’s campaign to give blind people the top rate of Disability Living Allowance and has worked particularly in Parliament to increase support for autism groups and children with special educational needs, added ‘The Minister underlined how pleased he was with initiatives here, and will continue to be working closely with the individuals and groups he met to develop and support this work and keep Blackpool on the map as an example of good practice nationally.
Representatives from Blackpool Council, the Equalities Commission and Gordon’s fellow Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble, also took part in the discussions.
