Deputy picked to fight for disabled
Tuesday 10th March 2009, 2:29PM GMT.
FORMER Le Rondin School head teacher Jane Stephens has been appointed as the States’ first disability champion.
She will take a political lead on making sure Guernsey does everything it can reasonably do to ensure the island is a fully inclusive society.
‘In creating this role Guernsey is replicating what happens in public authorities in the UK, where there’s a politician of local government who has the responsibility of voicing the community’s views in the political arena,’ said Deputy Stephens.
She was selected for the role by the States Disability Forum and will also work with the non-governmental Guernsey Disability Alliance.
The appointment was co-ordinated by the Policy Council’s social policy group.
‘What is very special about this post is that my election to the role came from the people with disabilities and their representatives in voluntary groups,’ said Deputy Stephens (pictured).
‘Because of that I have their confidence that I can keep disability issues high on the agenda and in focus across the States.’
She said disability was an area of life of which she had some understanding.
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At long last a politician that has been elected and is actually in a position that is fit for purpose.
I have no doubt that Jane Stephens is the perfect candidate for this mandate. The biggest hurdle that she will face will be whether there is enough money in circulation within the states to give the physically challenged an equal lifestyle.
It should not be a an issue. I feel it may be with all the politicians and their wish lists.
Good luck to her. The people that need to be heard have bagged themselves a heavy weight fighter that always will go twelve rounds for the things she believes are righteous.
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I agree with Paul and also wish Mrs Stephens the best of luck in her new role, but would like to point out that it is not just the physically disabled who need representation but also the learning disabled people on the island who also deserve equality.
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Hear, Hear, Paul (and sppsarnia).
You’re right, Deputy Stephens will face a pretty consistent cry of “but we don’t have any money in the pot” as she tours States depts waking them up to the needs of disabled islanders.
But, truth is, disabled people weren’t really on deputies minds when the island did have money so there’s been the same, if not a greater, level of underinvestment as the schools and the airport.
Tho it will be used a lot, lack of cash is a pretty lame excuse. How can a caring community with glossy bank buildings on its seafront and yachts in its harbour dare to say it can’t afford to support its disabled citizens properly?
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I wish Jane stephens the best of luck. Her new role is going to be a very difficult one.
I have a good friend who is disabled and part of their needs to keep them mobile, have the ability to be able to go to work and be able to intergrate socially with able persons, has just been withdrawn by Guernsey’s Social Securuty Authority.
This person’s health is likely to deterioate if they do not have the facility provided at a cost of less than £300 per anum. This will likely force them to leave their employment in the near future as they will not be physically able to continue. Experts in the field of this persons is disability have advised of this but the Authority now appear to want them to apply for Supplementry Bennifit and stay at home.
Their independance and dignity taken away at a stroke and at more expense to the tax payer than if they supported this person with assistance in their needs!
Guernsey lacks in welfare care for the disabled person in comparison with the UK. They appear to be second class citizens in this government departmants eye’s.
So good luck to Mrs Stephens she will need it. Guernsey’s Governement appear to provide for those that do not want to help themselves and fails to support those that do.
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