Disability History Month

Alison Griffiths highlighted her personal experience with hearing loss due to bacterial meningitis, advocating for disabled individuals in the workplace. She noted that while progress has been made since 1995 under Conservative leadership, many disabled people still face significant barriers to employment beyond further education. Griffiths emphasised the need for flexible systems and access co-ordinators to help manage disabilities and support career progression.

Mrs Dixon inquired about the government's cross-departmental approach to disability, specifically asking for assurances regarding the recognition and support of family carers who provide crucial care and support to disabled individuals.

Catherine Atkinson highlighted the importance of recognising deaf people's contributions and challenges, mentioning that Derby has the largest number of deaf individuals outside London due to the Royal School for the Deaf Derby. She praised recent media representation but noted that there are still significant barriers in education, employment, and healthcare for those who are deaf or have hearing loss. Atkinson mentioned that deaf pupils face an attainment gap equivalent to 12 months of learning by primary school end and perform worse than non-deaf peers at GCSE level. She also pointed out that only four in ten working-age BSL users are employed, with a third classified as long-term economically inactive. Furthermore, she criticised the NHS for failing to provide adequate access for deaf individuals. Ms Atkinson indicated assent during the debate.

Ms Whately highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in workplaces and public spaces. She praised the progress made during the London Paralympics and celebrated the achievements of disabled athletes and advocates who have raised awareness about disability issues. Ms Whately also discussed the government's efforts to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities through initiatives such as the Disability Confident programme, Access to Work funding, and universal support services.

Jim Shannon highlighted the impact of disability on families and communities in Northern Ireland, citing census data showing that 24.3% or 463,000 people had a limiting long-term health problem or disability in 2021. He noted an increase from 2011 to 2021 and urged the Minister to discuss these matters with appropriate Ministers in Northern Ireland. Shannon also praised Ards and North Down borough council for raising awareness about invisible disabilities.

Celebrated the contributions of disabled people in his constituency, highlighted the work of the Minstead Trust and its Hanger Farm Arts Centre, which provides employment opportunities for those with learning disabilities. Acknowledged the importance of including disabled individuals in workplaces to improve equality and inclusion. Discussed the additional financial costs faced by disabled households, noting that in New Forest East this cost exceeds £900 annually. Emphasized the need for addressing negative attitudes towards disabled people and combating disability hate crime.

Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Thurrock for securing the debate, highlighted the need for positive change in disability rights, and called on the Government to provide more support for employers to change how they view disabilities. He noted that over 12,000 households in his constituency include a disabled person and praised local authorities for their assistance services. He also emphasized the importance of community transport services and called for accessibility improvements at Cholsey railway station.

Discussed the prevalence of hearing loss, noting that it affects 70% of people over 70 years old and 40% of those over 40. He highlighted issues with access to free NHS hearing aids, stating up to 5 million people could benefit but do not use them, and another million cannot hear conversational speech. Prinsley also addressed the issue of occluding earwax caused by hearing aid moulds and suggested a model of community-based, non-profit NHS ear care similar to a charity he chaired before becoming an MP.

She expressed concerns about the current employment gap for disabled people in West Bromwich, which stands at around 25 percentage points. She highlighted the Government's investment of £115 million next year to deliver Connect to Work, a new supported employment programme aiming to support nearly 100,000 people annually starting from 2026. Sarah also pointed out issues with public transport accessibility in her constituency and praised local initiatives supporting disabled athletes.