Archive Council News

31.03.06

Wrexham Council propose new approach to disability

An event at the Memorial Hall on April 4th will discuss a “Draft Social Services Commissioning Strategy for People with Physical & Sensory Issues and Long-Term Neurological Conditions, including the Cultural Deaf Community.”

The event will encourage different approaches to service provision for disabled people and Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL).

The agenda for the event includes presentations on “Implementing the Social Model of Disability” by Dr Neil Thompson of Avenue Consulting, based in Wrexham; “The Cultural & Language Model” by Richard Jones, Director of Deaf Association Wales, and “What is a Centre for Inclusive Living?” by Heather Doughty, Director of the Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living.

Assistant Chief Social Services Officer Sheila Wentworth says:

“The commissioning strategy takes a radical approach to services for disabled and Deaf people. The social model of disability, on which it is based, places responsibility for disability on society as a whole, instead of on the person with an impairment. It acknowledges that the social inclusion of marginalised groups requires a fundamental change of attitude and the ending of prejudice, as well as practical steps to overcome the physical barriers to access which many people face on a daily basis. The cultural Deaf Community, who use BSL as their first language, face similar problems of social exclusion which the strategy aims to address.”

For copies of the draft commissioning strategy and further details about the consultation event please contact Paul Swann, Commissioning & Planning Officer, tel: 01978 292874 or email paul.swann@wrexham.gov.uk