07 Dec 2001
A website that helps raise awareness of disability issues by promoting positive attitudes will be unveiled this Saturday (8 December) by Playback, an Edinburgh voluntary organisation that works with and for children and young people with physical disabilities.
Welcoming the launch of the website, Minister of State for Scotland George Foulkes said:
"This website will mean a great deal to the children and their carers. It will prove to be a valuable resource by providing positive images of children and young people with disabilities, and encouraging parents, carers and family members to become involved and work in partnership with statutory agencies.
"Many structural and environmental barriers can be easily eradicated without a great deal of expense. Facilities and access can be improved but more importantly, what is required is a positive change in attitudes and an acceptance of difference.
"People who have been at the sharp end know what difficulties can be faced by disabled children, their parents and carers. Disabled children, like all children, have dreams, hopes and aspirations.
"This Government is committed to working with organisations such as Playback to improving rights for disabled people. We have set up the Disability Rights Commission, passed legislation at Westminster to outlaw disability discrimination in education and we are improving access to goods and services under the Disability Discrimination Act.
"Disabled children need to be listened to. The children who form part of Playback are happy to put forward their views. And that is exactly right: we want everybody to participate and contribute towards the debate on how we achieve a fair and just society, which recognises the needs and abilities of every individual."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. The website can be accessed at www. playbacktrust.org
2. The website was unveiled by the children and young people themselves at their Playback Christmas Party at Victoria Park Hotel, Ferry Road, Edinburgh.
3. Playback can be found at Playback Trust, 489 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 5DQ.
4. The Playback Family at present has 26 children and young people with complex physical disabilities, 15-20 volunteers, 10 support workers, plus the parents of the children and siblings.