MEP calls for 'hidden disabilities' awareness
August 19, 2008 12:17 PM
Local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne is calling for greater awareness for the millions of people in the UK with hidden disabilities, who suffer from conditions which are not immediately obvious to others.
Hidden disabilities include mental ill health (which affects 1 in 4 people in their lifetime), asthma (over 3 million UK sufferers) and dyslexia (up to 1 in 10 people) and many other conditions. It is estimated that 70% of people with a disability in the UK have a hidden disability.
Liz Lynne, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Disability Intergroup and has campaigned for years on disability issues, said:
"People with recognised hidden disabilities are legally protected under the Disability Discrimination Act but too often others don't believe they are disabled because there is no condition to be seen at first glance.
"Fear of stigma and discrimination also leads many with hidden disabilities to hide or ignore their condition and this is a great shame because they miss out on the help available to them from the Government and charities.
"Whether someone has from a hidden disability or not, everyone needs to be aware of what they entail. Through more understanding and awareness, people will hopefully feel freer to discuss hidden disabilities and if necessary ask for the information and resources out there."
ENDS
For further information:
Equality and Human Rights Commission (with helpline): http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/default.aspx
Disability Now: http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/
Liz Lynne MEP was the European Parliament's rapporteur on the 2005 United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. She continues to campaign for the convention's signing and ratification. The UK has signed the Convention but has yet to ratify it and has failed to sign the vital optional protocol. More information at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/
Liz Lynne is also campaigning for an end to discrimination in access to goods and services on all grounds not currently covered, including disability. Her report was adopted earlier this year by the European Parliament and contributed to the European Commission's recent proposals for such legislation. It can be viewed here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+REPORT+A6-2008-0159+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN
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