12 January 2017
Islanders are being asked for their views on proposals which will form the basis of a Disability Strategy for Jersey.
The consultation document has been put together after extensive research and discussion with key organisations and individuals throughout 2015 and 2016. Research included the Health and Life Opportunities household survey, which looked at the profile and prevalence of disability in Jersey and went out to more than 10,000 households. The research also included a large qualitative study that involved going out and talking to nearly 100 islanders about their experience of living in Jersey with a disability.
The strategy is for the whole island and as such, seeks to engage islanders as well as the business and voluntary and community sectors. It focuses on improving the overall wellbeing of islanders and its aim is to help ensure people living with disability in Jersey enjoy a good quality of life. It identifies five priority areas:
- supporting communication and access to information
- having greater access to the Island
- good health and wellbeing
- access to education, employment & enriching activities
- equal rights and equality
A series of actions have been proposed to help achieve these priorities. The actions that are being consulted on reflect what disabled people, carers, friends and families have said would help them to enjoy a good quality of life.
Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier, said “Disabled islanders say that there are many positive things about living in Jersey. However they also have a lower sense of wellbeing than the rest of the population. For example, the average life satisfaction rating for non-disabled Islanders is 8.4 out of 10, compared to only 6.8 for disabled islanders.
“The difference between these two figures illustrates the reason why a disability strategy is needed. The strategy being developed will aim to support islanders with a disability to participate fully and equally in our community. Over the long-term, our goal is to increase equality and narrow this wellbeing gap.”
Alongside the strategy, later this year work will begin on the development of disability discrimination legislation, which should come into force in 2018. Disability will become one of the ‘protected characteristics’ under the Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013.
Islanders can give their views on the proposals by viewing the online consultation document and completing an online survey on www.gov.je/consult. A large print version is also available online. Printed copies are available at the reception of Cyril Le Marquand House.
We will also be holding three consultation events at St Paul’s Centre.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and provides a hearing loop. As the total capacity of this venue is limited, anyone interested in attending is asked to book in advance via the above links to Eventbrite.
In addition, work will be carried out with local voluntary and community organisations to ensure that those who are unable to attend meetings can engage in the process. The deadline for responses is Friday 10 March 2017.
Disability Strategy Consultation
gov.je