Action and academe united for change

Looking forward, Ruth Patrick trails a day of action against cuts and welfare reform coming soon to the streets of London

A particularly hectic week recently saw me, first in speaking on disability issues at an academic conference, and then in marching with hundreds of thousands of others on the TUC “March for the Alternative”. At both, thoughts of disabled people’s struggle for full equality and human rights were at the forefront of my mind.

Out marching, one feels solidarity with the fellow protestors – part of a common cause loudly challenging the current Government’s welfare cuts and benefit reforms which so unjustly target and penalise disabled people. Never did the Government’s refrain “we’re all in it together” ring so true, except we’re in it together against the Government not with them. On the other hand, the academic conference was a rather lonely affair – an opportunity to present my latest research and to try and give more voice to disabled people’s own perspectives on the Employment and Support Allowances reforms. These two occasions got me thinking on how best to campaign for real and meaningful change that furthers the cause of disabled people and contributes towards the broader goal of equal life chances for all.

This question is particularly pertinent in the current climate, where the need to campaign on and oppose much of government policy has never been more urgent. But, where should we place our undoubtedly limited energies and resources, so that they have the most resonance and effect?

The UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) and various disability charities are planning a mass day of action in May where they hope to bring thousands of people together for a march, lobby and rally in protest at the Government’s reforms.

Commenting on his aspirations for the day, Jaspal Dhani of UKDPC said: “The day of action is an invaluable opportunity for all those with a concern for disability issues to come together and express their dissatisfaction with the pace and direction of the Government’s reform agenda.  We also need to show the very real damage that these reforms could do to disabled people’s quality of life, fundamental human rights and scope for independent living. Getting this message out there – to media and the Government – is the central goal of our day of action!“  

An ambitious goal, undoubtedly, but one that will hopefully be realised at least in part by the actions of those taking part in the day. What I am clear on, however, is the importance of getting out there and responding to the Government’s reforms, making a case for an alternative, more just way forward.

• For more information on the 11th May day of action see: www.ukdpc.net