TWO Island charities have highlighted the lack of a disability discrimination act of parliament in the Isle of Man by attending a special disabilities service in Westminster Abbey.

The service commemorated the 40th anniversary of the coming into effect in the UK of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act and the legacy of this legislation.

However, Jan Jukes, manager of the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled, said the Isle of Man had “not moved on” and the Island’s legislation was “old and does not address disability in the wider context of an inclusive society.”

She added, “In the UK legislation has moved on to enable disabled people to be included in society and the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act and more recently the Equalities Act embraces the rights of disabled people.

“Unfortunately, in the Isle of Man we have not moved on and we are left with the old legislation which does not address disability in the wider context of an inclusive society. There seems to be a misconception on the Isle of Man that the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act will have a negative financial impact on businesses.

“This is not necessarily the case and although there will inevitably be costs associated with making some of our buildings more accessible, a lot of adaptations can be done with minimal cost and in a phased approach.”  

Jan Jukes, attended the service along with Jackie Betteridge, chief executive of Crossroads Caring for Carers. 

The occasion was marked because of the importance the Act had in starting to recognise the rights of disabled people and the inspiration it gave to make sure prejudice was removed and a more just and compassionate society developed not only in the UK but in 180 countries who have adopted similar legislation.

It was Lord Morris of Manchester who introduced the Bill back in 1970 and he also attended the service as well as Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester.

Although the Act was originally implemented to help individuals cope with their situation and enabled local authorities to do things such as making adaptations to homes, since then our understanding of disability has changed.

It is now recognised that a disabled person should not only be treated as an individual with an impairment but should also be part of society and not apart from it.  Disabled people should be able to enjoy access to the built environment, including hotels, cafes, churches and schools and should also be able to access services and have the opportunity of employment.

Commenting upon the service, Jackie Betteridge said, “Attending the Anniversary Service was a wonderful experience and it was a privilege to be invited to witness the inspiring testimonies of some people directly affected by the legacy of the Act, and in such beautiful surroundings.

“In particular, Dame Tanni Gray-Thompson DBE, Paralympic gold medallist for Britain, captured the audience’s attention with her story of growing up with spina bifida in the 1960s and the difference the legislation has made to her life over the years.”

Jackie Betteridge added, “The Act and developments since its implementation in the UK have had a positive impact on the lives of many disabled people as well as their carers.  With over 25,000 people living on the Isle of Man 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 our wider society.  This is about enabling all members of society to be included in it.”

During the service Lord Morris read from his closing commendation to the House of Commons in 1969.  “His words are as meaningful now as they were then and should be the reminder of why the Disability Discrimination Action should become law in the Isle of Man, said Jan Jukes.

Lord Morris said, “Where understanding is unostentatious and sincere; where needs come before means; where if years cannot be added to their lives, at least life can be added to their years; where the mobility of disabled people is restricted only by the bounds of technical progress and discovery; where they have the fundamental right to participate in industry and society according to ability; where socially preventable distress is unknown; and where no one has cause to be ill at ease because of her or his disability.”