Equality, legal and business reasons to use the toolkit

Written quote: Wyn Merrells

Manager, Scottish Disability Equality Forum

Consider communication access as well as physical access

'The Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF) is a user-led membership organisation. We represent individuals with any type of impairment, and organisations and groups who share our values.

'We work for full social inclusion in Scotland through the removal of barriers to equal access for people affected by disability. SDEF is also the umbrella body for Access Panels in Scotland, these being groups of volunteers who work to improve access in their local communities.

'SDEF recognises that poor communication and lack of information are major obstacles to participation in all aspects of life and that full inclusion must therefore involve access to communication as well to the physical environment.

'This ethos is reflected in the approach of Panels whose work is directed to equal access to the built and rural environment and also to housing, transport, health, employment, education and sport and leisure for disabled people. This is often as part of community planning and other partnerships.

'We are committed to adopting the 6 Communication Support Principles in the Talk for Scotland toolkit, to improve communication accessibility for those with communication support needs.

'We would urge all organisations working to promote full social inclusion to do the same.'