Deaf and Disabled Londoners and the 2010 Elections - Hustings tomorrow

I will be speaking at this event tomorrow as one of the few disabled candidates standing for parliament in this election.

Press release

19 April 2010

For immediate release

Election Event for Disabled People

A major event for disabled people is being held tomorrow (20 April 2010). This will look at the policies of the major political parties on key issues for disabled people. This event is being organised by Inclusion London, the pan-London organisation promoting equality for London's Deaf and Disabled people.

The aim of the event is to increase the engagement of Deaf and disabled people with the election, encourage an increase in voting and ensure that the main political parties are aware of the issues for Deaf and disabled people.

The event will provide an opportunity for Deaf and disabled people to ask their questions directly of candidates.

A line up of 4 prospective parliamentary candidates and 4 senior councillors will be given 5 minutes each to present their views on issues for disabled people and disability equality. They will then be questioned by an audience of over 70 disabled people from across London.

One of the key speakers will be Parliamentary candidate for Vauxhall Joseph Healy who will be talking about what the Green Party can offer to disabled people in Vauxhall.

Chair of Inclusion London Kirsten Hearn said:

‘All parties have plans to make changes which will affect Deaf and disabled people’s lives. It’s important that we all know what those plans are and have an opportunity to question candidates about their intentions. Whether it be reform to the benefits system, plans for changes in national health and social care or how each party proposes to handle the recession, deaf and disabled people have a lot to say. Inclusion London’s election hustings is the place to air views and challenge the people who want our votes.’

This event is being held at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre in Bloomsbury. A full agenda is set out below.


ENDS



For more information contact Marie Pye 07714 245966


Notes for the Editor

1. Inclusion London is a city-wide disability equality campaigning and capacity-building organisation. We provide policy, campaigning and capacity-building support for Deaf and disabled people’s organisations (DDPOs) in the capital.

2. Inclusion London promotes equality for London’s Deaf and disabled people. Our work is rooted in the Social Model of Disability and the Cultural Model of Deafness. To find out more please visit www.inclusionlondon.co.uk

3. Inclusion London has produced a policy briefing on disabled people and the elections, covering the party manifestos. For more information please visit www.inclusionlondon.co.uk or the contact telephone number above.

4. RADAR is the UK’s largest disability campaigning network with over 1000 individual and organisational members. RADAR is supporting the event and will present the RADAR ‘pledge cards’. Find out more at www.radar.org.uk

4. Set out below is the full programme for the event.


Deaf and Disabled Londoners and the 2010 Elections

Tuesday 20 April 2010

Holiday Inn (Booker Suite), Coram Street, Bloomsbury, WC1N 1HT

Programme

10.00 am

Introduction by Kirsten Hearn, Chair, Inclusion London

10.10 am

The Panel of Prospective Parliamentary Candidates

Each candidate will speak for 5 minutes introducing themselves and what their party thinks about disability equality.

• Adrian Berrill Cox, Conservative candidate, Islington North

• Catharine Arakelian, Labour candidate, Chingford

• James Sandbach, Liberal Democrat candidate, Putney

• Joseph Healy, Green candidate, Vauxhall

10.35 am

Questions from disabled people and discussion

11.05 am

Refreshment Break

11.25 am

Liz Sayce, Director of Radar, will speak on their ‘Election Pledge Cards’.

11.30 am

The Panel of Senior London Councillors

Each councillor will speak for 5 minutes introducing themselves and what their party will do locally for disabled people.

• Councillor Maya De Souza, Green Party, Camden Council

• Councillor Andrew Lamont, Conservative, Access Champion Kensington & Chelsea Council

• Councillor Ruth Polling, Liberal Democrat, Islington Council Cabinet Member for Equality

• Councillor Lorna Reith, Labour Deputy Leader, Haringey Council

11. 55 am

Questions from Disabled People and Discussion

12.25 pm Closing Remarks from the Chair