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Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People: Aims of the project

'Disability' is not a precise concept. For example, depending on the context, the phrase 'disabled people' may include those:

• dealing with long-term or short-term issues;
• disabled from birth or disabled later in life;
• who self-define as disabled, or those who do not;
• who meet the criteria of any of a number of common definitions, or those who do not.

Unless otherwise stated, the material on this website uses a generic and inclusive definition of disability. The Strategy Unit recognises, however, that there may be different issues or policy implications for the different groups described above. Moreover, the Strategy Unit is clear that disability is not the same as impairment - and that the onset of disability is typically a result of social, attitudinal and physical barriers.

What is also clear is that disabled people, both children and adults, are faring less well than non-disabled people across a range of indicators and opportunities ('life chances') that determine overall quality of life.

For example, disabled people are less likely to obtain educational qualifications, more likely to live in poverty and more likely to suffer social exclusion and isolation.

There are particular concerns about the barriers faced by disabled people at key transition points in life - and about outcomes for some specific groups of disabled people.

Many services are in place, but these can be fragmented and their effectiveness may be low in some cases.

In the light of this evidence, the aims of this project are:

1. to assess the extent to which disabled people are suffering adverse economic and social outcomes in the UK;
2. to identify why this is happening, and what are its implications; and
3. to assess what could be done to improve the effectiveness of Government interventions, both by mainstreaming consideration of disability into general policy-making, and through specific measures.

Key themes being explored in the project include (a) how life chances can be improved; (b) how individual needs can be met; and (c) roles, rights and responsibilities.

The Strategy Unit worked closely with initiatives being taken forward in other Government Departments, including for example the work being undertaken by the Social Exclusion Unit on the specific issues faced by adults with mental health conditions.