ROFA has produced a new update of the NILSS Vision, including an easy-read version, which can be accessed here:  (see docs below)

They include some questions and discussion points:

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.     What different functions and support would local independent living services need to provide and what role would DDPOs, LAs and local third sector have in delivering these services?

2.     What would the national functions of a NILS include and how would a national NILS work with local DDPOs and LAs?

3.     How could we ensure a right to independent living delivers support free at the point of need?

4.     How do we need to tackle staff/Personal Assistant recruitment, pay and conditions?

These will be discussed at the upcoming DPO Conference in Manchester on 22^nd September or by responding to these by emailing: info@rofa.org.uk

This programme is for small and local charities with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 which are led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Organisations can apply for a three year unrestricted grant of £75,000.

Follow this link for more information

The leading US disability rights advocate Judy Heumann, who has died aged 75, fought for her own and others’ emancipation, and blazed a trail for fellow campaigners around the world.

Read the obituary in full Guardian website 

10 Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement – Disabled People Who Have Changed the World

An interesting article highlighting Disabled activists who have campaigned for Disabled people’s rights:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/09/from-the-wheelchair-using-black-panther-to-the-cripple-suffragette-10-heroes-of-the-disabled-rights-movement?ref=disability-debrief

Poem Inspired by Independent Living Campaign by Richard Downes

Poet Richard Downes has written and performed a poem inspired by the campaign for independent living and a National Independent Living Support Service.  The full poem can be viewed here:

A Message for DPOs – Not Dead Yet UK

We are writing to seek your support in opposing the legalising of Assisted Suicide, which will soon be debated in both the UK and Scottish Parliaments. Although, over recent years, there have been several attempts to pass legislation to make Assisted Suicide legal in the UK, these have been overwhelmingly defeated. The UK Supreme Court also ruled against legalising assisted suicide.

Click on this link for more details

Human Rights Breaches – Email Your MP

We are supporting Liberation, a regular contributor to Inclusion London’s Campaign Forum, with their campaign against major human rights shortfalls in the government’s plans to reform the Mental Health Act. These plans have been set out in the White Paper, which the government published in January. Please can you help by writing to your MP about the shortfalls.

For more information and to find out what our concerns are, and also how to email your MP  visit our latest post 

ROFA has submitted our vision for a National Independent Living Support Service to replace the broken social care system to the Parliamentary inquiry into funding of social care.

Follow this link for further information

National Disability Strategy survey

National Independent Living Support Service (NILSS)

Reclaiming Our Futures Alliance vision on the future of independent living for Disabled people was developed through two national consultation meetings and an online consultation with disabled people and DPOs in England. For independent living to be a reality for Disabled people, we need a system that provides the right type, amount, quality and range of support options. The current social care and welfare systems are not up to the task and Disabled people’s experiences of independent living are going backwards while being subject to a dramatic postcode lottery. For more information on our vision for independent living, visit National Independent Living Support System – NILSS

ROFA has issued a Black Lives Matter statement – click here to read that statement in full