It is often said that politicians only think short-term. However, twenty years ago, the Labour government released a report titled “Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People.” This cross-government strategy outlined a programme to enhance the opportunities and life chances for disabled individuals by 2025. The aim was that this year, disabled people in Britain would have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life and be respected and included as equal members of society.  

We ask whether it succeeded in its aim and wonder why there isn’t a piece of research (that we know of) showing what has changed. 

Barclays recently made headlines with its mystery shopping contract with Ipsos. The bank informed Ipsos that they’d rather some mystery shoppers be blind or deaf; however if that wasn't possible, individuals could simulate the conditions of being blind or deaf. We discuss the pros and mainly the cons of ‘cropping up’. 

Finally, we preview some of the guests who will be coming to the show in 2025. 

Links

Summary of Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People on Navigator 

Transport for All Roadmap to achieving Disability equality by 2025

Guardian reports on Barclays using non-disabled people pretending to be disabled 

Article (from 1998 and still relevant) on the pros and cons of disability simulation exercises by Kevin Donnellon on Medium