Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Policy and Campaigns, said: "At RNIB we find the Government's new disability strategy extremely disappointing. It appears to be mainly a consolidation exercise, which only reiterates existing Government commitments and legislative plans without substantially promising new improvements in policy and practice.
"At RNIB we welcome many of the principles in the document, not least working in partnership to create inclusive communities. However, there is a massive gap between the aspirations set out in the strategy and the current reality of deep cuts to benefits and services.
"Along with implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in full, there's still a lot to be done to remove the barriers disabled people face. If this strategy is to be our guide, the Government is treading water. Disabled people deserve a better strategy than this."
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Notes to Editors:
For more information contact RNIB press office on 020 7391 2223 or out of hours 07968 482812.
Background
The Government launched a discussion document - 'Fulfilling Potential' - designed to invite disabled people and their organisations' views on future priorities in December 2011.
RNIB met with the Office for Disability Issues to consider key priorities including full implementation & enforcement of the Equality Act. RNIB and Action for Blind People responded to the consultation.