Independent Living - A Shared Vision

This statement is jointly signed by the ScottishGovernment, COSLA (Convention of Scottish LocalAuthorities) and the Independent Living in Scotland (ILiS)Steering Group. It sets out our agreed vision, based onthe core principles of choice, control, freedom anddignity, that disabled people across Scotland will haveequality of opportunity at home and work, in education andin the social and civic life of the community.

The Scottish Government, local government and theIndependent Living in Scotland Steering Group arecommitted to working together, as equal members of theIndependent Living Core Reference Group. Ourcommitment to independent living for all disabled peoplein Scotland is founded on our belief that it is the right thingto do, and it is in Scotland's interest:

• It is right for the individual - to be free from prejudiceand discrimination; and to participate within society asfull and equal citizens;

• It is right for society as a whole - a more equal societywill have greater strength and social cohesion; and

• It is right for our economy - the more diverse aneconomy, the more innovative and high growth it is; andthe more successful it will be at attracting talent.

We have much to learn from one another, and our workingpartnership is based on a model of co-production andinclusion. We recognise that there is scope to deliverlasting change for disabled people living and working inScotland. This can only be achieved by thinking andacting aspirationally and by ensuring that all voices carryequal weight and are well respected. This approach willhelp deliver our shared vision across our respective areasof responsibility.

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Our vision and objectives fits strongly with the NationalPerformance Framework and with the Single OutcomeAgreements, agreed by Community Planning Partnershipsacross Scotland. We will work to make these outcomesinclusive of independent living principles and practices, sothat disabled people can be an integral part of Scotland'sfuture development as a country of equality of opportunityand quality of life for all of its citizens.

We believe that by working with disabled people, theScottish Government, local authorities and theircommunity planning partners across Scotland will bebetter equipped to identify the best approach to achievingagreed outcomes, making the most effective investment ofresources and taking account of the priorities and needsof all of local communities.

Our overall objective is to deliver real choice and controlfor disabled people in all areas of life and all parts ofScotland. We recognise that this will require continuedeffort by all partners. It will take time to achieve thisvision, but this joint statement is an important milestone indeveloping the shared strategic approach that will make ita reality.

Alex Neil MSPMinister for Housingand Communities

Jim Elder-WoodwardConvenor, Independent Livingin Scotland Steering Group

Cllr Ronnie McCollCOSLA Spokespersonfor Health and Wellbeing

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8 December 2009

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Independent Living - A Shared VisionEasyread

This statement is signed by the ScottishGovernment, COSLA (Convention of ScottishLocal Authorities) and the Independent Livingin Scotland (IliS) Steering Group.

We agree that independent living is aboutchoice, control, freedom and dignity.

This is what we want for disabled people inScotland - at home, at work and in thecommunity.

The Scottish Government, local governmentand the Independent Living in ScotlandSteering Group will work together.

We will be equal members of theIndependent Living Core Reference Group.

We believe that independent living for alldisabled people in Scotland is the right thingto do.

• It is right for each person - to haveequality - no prejudice or discrimination;

• It is right for all people - more equalitymeans we are stronger together;

• It is right for our economy - morediversity means more success.

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We have a lot to learn from one another andwe will work together as equal partners.

We want to make changes for disabledpeople that will last.

We want the best. To get the best we mustlisten equally to everyone. We will do thisacross all of our work.

The Scottish Government has a NationalPerformance Framework and NationalOutcomes

Local Authorities and Community PlanningPartnerships in Scotland have SingleOutcome Agreements.

We believe that Independent living fits into allof these.

We will work to make independent living partof these national outcomes.

We want disabled people to be part ofScotland's future where everyone is equal.

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We believe that we can make betterdecisions if we work with disabled people.

We believe this can helps us use money andresources in a better way for everyone.

Most of all we want disabled people to havereal choice and control in all areas of their lifeand all parts of Scotland.

We know that this will take time and we willhave to keep working together.

We believe this joint statement is animportant step that will make independentliving real.

Jim Elder-WoodwardConvenor, Independent Livingin Scotland Steering Group

Cllr Ronnie McCollCOSLA Spokespersonfor Health and Wellbeing

Alex Neil MSPMinister for Housingand Communities

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~=~The ScottishGovernment

8 December 2009

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