Issued: 29 September 2008
Event Aimed To Make A Difference To Those With Physical Disabilities
More than 100 people from Angus who either have, or care for someone with a physical disability, met last week to discuss a range of issues affecting their lives.
The meeting, entitled Making a Difference, was organised by Angus Council Social Work and Health and Angus Community Health Partnership and held in Carnoustie on Friday, 26 September. Those attending discussed issues such as involvement and inclusion in their own communities; controlling their own lives and managing their conditions and living safely and independently in their own homes, wherever possible.
Previously identified areas requiring development include: access to services; self-management of long term conditions; carer and respite support; meaningful recreation, educational and employment activity; palliative care and independent mobility.
Convener of Social Work and Health, Alison Andrews said: "Those people who attended Friday's event had an opportunity to discuss issues and bring forward ideas. By understanding what the problems are, we can bring in measures to make a positive difference to lives of people in Angus living with physical disabilities and their carers."
Journalist and former BBC health correspondent Penny Taylor co-ordinated the meeting and corporate artist Graham Ogilvie represented the discussion with visual imaging and story boards, to support communication needs.