Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man and Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled (MFPD) were recently invited to Westminster Abbey for a service to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act. The ground breaking Act, introduced by Labour MP Alf Morris in 1970, was the first placing legally requiring authorities regarding their duties to ill and disabled people. It has subsequently been adopted by 200 countries worldwide and has helped over 60 million people world wide. It held a code of practice for buildings that were open to the public, requiring them to provide parking, where applicable, and sanitary facilities for disabled people. Commenting upon the service, attended by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, was Jackie Betteridge Chief Executive of Crossroads Caring for Carers (CCFC) who said: ‘Attending the Anniversary service was a wonderful experience and it was a privilege to be invited to witness the inspiring testimonies of those directly affected by the Act, and in such beautiful surroundings. Dame Tanni Gray-Thompson DBE, Paralympic gold medalist for Britain, captured the audience’s attention with her story of growing up with Spina Bifida in the 1960s. She was born in 1969 when society was just not equipped to deal with disabled persons. She was in a fortunate position to not allow her disability to hold her back, but many were not as fortunate and sadly were unable to thrive, like Tanni.’ Lord Morris - who’s mother used a wheelchair - also attended the service to repeat the very words he used to commend his Bill to the House of Commons. Jan Jukes, Manager for the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled (MFPD), who also attended the church service, said: ‘Unfortunately, here on the Isle of Man, no similar legal protection for the long-term sick and disabled exists, however, I would reach out to the community and particularly small businesses to say there is nothing to be frightened of. Providing equal access to the built environment, jobs and services should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a burden. Especially considering ten percent of the Manx population are living with some kind of disability, be it with old age, visually impairment, Autism and many others.’ Jackie Betteridge added: ‘The Act has made an enormously positive impact to the lives of many disabled persons in the UK, and their Carers. With over 25,000 people living on the island with a long term health condition and an average of 2.2 Carers per person with a care need, similar legislation on the island could continue to greatly benefit wider society. Crossroads spend over 100,000 hours a year in the local community, providing direct respite care and services to people with a care need and know that enabling disabled people does not necessarily mean that every building needs to be adapted to allow disabled access. This is about enabling all members of society to be included in it.’ ENDS