Disability equality
Reid Howie Associates has undertaken a large amount of work which focuses on disability equality issues.
Generally, the recognition of equalities issues and the importance of the promotion of equality underpins the work that we do. We have an Equality Policy to which all staff and subcontractors must adhere. We are committed to the involvement of people from communities of interest in research, and recognise that they are likely to have the most appropriate expertise and to be able to provide advice which will enhance the work.
Disability equality issues have been central to our work from the outset and continue to be a major part of our focus. The types of work which we have undertaken are described below.
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Many of the studies which we have carried out in relation to disability equality have focused on the identification of requirements and barriers to access to services. We carried out a major policy scoping study of independent living for the Disability Rights Commission and follow-up work for the EHRC. The initial study examined policy issues relevant to independent living and highlighted opportunities and challenges for the promotion of independent living, providing a starting point for the development of a wider strategy.
A follow up scoping study of legislation, policy and practice
was carried out for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We then provided
early research support to the Independent Living in Scotland project. This
involved carrying out work to: summarise the key issues relevant to Independent
Living in Scotland; identify recent developments and actions; and identify
priorities and options for future action highlighted by disabled people. One of
RHA’s Directors also chaired a conference on
independent living for Fife Independent Disability Network, and prepared a
report of the findings.
Access to services
Closely related to the promotion of independent living, many of the studies which we have carried have focused on the identification of requirements for disability equality in relation to service provision, and barriers to access to services.
In 2010 we carried out a study of study of short breaks (respite care) planning and provision in Scotland for Shared Care Scotland. In 2009, we were commissioned by the Scottish Government to explore the support and training needs of people who employ personal assistants as well as PAs themselves. The work also involved exploring the roles of organisations which provide support to people using self directed support.
Other examples of research relating to access to services include: studies focusing on the housing needs of disabled people and their involvement in tenant participation; research into users’ experiences of home care and occupational therapy service use; evaluations of single shared assessment procedures; research into community safety issues affecting disabled people; and studies of employment issues affecting disabled people.
In 2004 we carried out an update study for the Scottish Executive to explore transport provision to disabled people in Scotland. This followed a study which we carried out for the Scottish Office in 1998 / 1999 to explore the transport needs of disabled people in Scotland.
One of the earliest pieces of work carried out by RHA involved updating a guide to eating places in Fife and a guide to tourist attractions for disabled people. In the same year, we investigated provision at polling stations for disabled voters.
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We have also carried out exploratory research focusing on other disability equality issues. For example, we carried out research in 2009 to identify key issues relating to the stigma and discrimination which affects people in equality groups who experience mental health problems. We also carried out research into mental health, suicide and self-harm amongst LGBT people in Fife.
Some of our evaluations of services, organisations and projects have had a focus on disability equality issues. For example, in 2010 we evaluated the Open Doors service in Barlinnie prison, providing support to prisoners with mental health problems. We also evaluated the SPS Choose Life initiative. In 2008 we evaluated a pilot advice service on disability issues to Registered Social Landlords participating in shared equity. We also carried out an evaluation of a Sportslink project in Edinburgh over its full period of funding from 2001-2004, as well as evaluating a project by Rymonth Housing Society in St Andrews.
RHA also carried out an evaluation of Dunfermline Forum on Disability in 1998, following ten years of its operation. Later the same year, we carried out an evaluation of a co-worker project run by the social work department of Fife Council. In 1998 / 1999 we also carried out a study for the Real Jobs Initiative to assess employers’ views of mental health issues and to investigate ways in which placements can be gained.
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Support to organisations and groups
We have also provided support to developing organisations and groups of and for disabled people.
We provided support to Fife Independent Disability Network in the early stages of the organisation, arranging and servicing meetings. We also assisted the Network in the recruitment of a worker.
From 1997 – 2000 we also provided support to the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance, both with the development of the organisations and the arrangement and servicing of their regular meetings.
RHA also provided support to Dunfermline Forum on Disability on a number of occasions with arrangements for the Annual General Meeting.
All of the experience described has continued to develop our understanding of disability equality issues. We have a strong commitment to the continuing development and promotion of this in the future.
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