Issue 2
The government's new Disability Rights Task Force had the first of its monthly meetings on 16 December 1997 in London.
The Task Force is one part of a threefold strategy announced by the government on 1st October last year to provide comprehensive, enforceable civil rights for disabled people. The terms of reference of the Task Force are
'To consider how best to secure comprehensive enforceable civil rights for disabled people within the context of our wider society, and to make recommendations on the role and function of a Disability Rights Commission. To provide the latter by March 1998 and to provide a full report of its recommendations on wider issues no later than July 1999'.
'The Task Force will take full account of the costs as well as the benefits for any proposals so far as it is quantifiable and practicable, and in particular ensure that its recommendations for a Disability Rights Commission achieve value for money for the taxpayer'.
There is an expectation that each Task Force member will communicate with disabled people, groups, organisations and other interested parties in an open and transparent way as much information about the work of the Task Force as possible.
The only Scottish representative is the Director of Disability Scotland, Bob Benson. Bob wants to ensure that individuals and organisations in Scotland have the opportunity to comment on the deliberations of the Task Force as they unfold.
Further information is available through the Disability Scotland website, CD-ROM and their normal Read-On Service.
Comment and responses to future documentation can be made on the Disability Scotland Website or to the
Task Force Secretariat Department for Education & Employment
Disability Policy Division,
Level 4, Caxton House,
6-12 Tothill Street,
LONDON SW1H 9NF
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