Time for REAL ACTION at the House of Commons with BME parents and carers of disabled children.
A landmark event took place on Monday 18th June 2012 at the House of Commons, with BME parents and carers of disabled children and young people from across different regions attending Include Me TOO’s (IM2) launch of their report, Time for REAL ACTION.
Time for REAL ACTION, addresses the needs of BME disabled children, young people and their families. Many community/faith representatives attended the event alongside voluntary and statutory organisations who pledged their support.
The Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, who attended the launch said:
“It is vital that we focus on changing society’s attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people so that they can properly access the support that they need to participate fully in their communities.
“This is particularly important when it comes to children and young adults from BME backgrounds. Changing attitudes towards not just disability but also ethnic background is vital if we are to have a completely inclusive society. The views of organisations like Include Me Too have been invaluable as we work towards a new cross-Government disability strategy which we will be launching shortly.”
The briefing paper references over forty studies and research papers over a time span of 15 years highlighting very little has changed. Additionally IM2 consulted with organisations/groups supporting BME disabled children and families consulted directly with families to identify key themes that were emerging and were still being experienced by them today.
- Poor access to information, advice and services.
- Inappropriate service provision which is not always culturally appropriate or holistic in meeting the needs of BME disabled children, young people and their families.
- Lack of parents/carers knowledge of their rights and entitlements to support the development and needs of their disabled child(ren) and families
- Under representation of BME parents and carers in process and structures of participation and representation to influence decisions.
The briefing paper captures key issues that if not addressed will widen the gap of inequalities faced by BME disabled children, young people and their families.
Parmi Dheensa (Include Me TOO’s Executive Director and Founder) said
‘Over the last 10 years Include Me TOO with many other organisations have highlighted several of the issues raised in this briefing paper. It is imperative with all the government changes and future proposals that these issues are addressed as it is not acceptable that so many BME disabled children, young people and their families are still experiencing the same barriers and difficulties highlighted over the last 15 years and their voices remain to be unheard.
Time for REAL ACTION empathises on real social action through community engagement and participation at grassroots levels. It is Time for REAL ACTION and for BME parents and carers to be supported and have the opportunity to have a voice, to be empowered and be champions for their children as they are the experts regarding their child’s and families needs. Include Me TOO welcomes BME disabled children, young people and their families to join our national network and share their experiences and aspirations with us to have a stronger voice and a united voice to influence positive change and inspire each other and we encourage them to get in touch with us.
Additionally Time for REAL ACTION applies to statutory bodies to take action to improve current provision, processes, partnership working with the BME sector, BME parents and carers participation, representation and better outcomes in relation to BME disabled children and their families.
The launch marked the next stage of our journey and we wish to thank all the families and colleagues who came from different parts of the country to join us to collectively put forward the briefing paper to the Government to consider and support.’
To get in touch or if you wish to find out how you can support our organisation’s work contact us on 01902 711604 or email im2@includemetoo.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors: For all media enquiries including interviews please contact:
Syeda Amtul Hai T: 01902 711604 E: im2@includemetoo.org.uk
Background Information:
Include Me TOO is a national BME led charity supporting disabled children and young people and their families from Black and Ethnic Minority Families and marginalised communities backgrounds, whilst promoting and supporting ALL disabled children and young people’s rights. Over the years Include Me TOO have highlighted many concerns and issues in regards to the widening gap of inequalities faced by BME disabled children, young people and their families.
