I am backing Disability Agenda Scotland’s (DAS) campaign to raise awareness about the positive contributions of disabled people and to help end the stigma and discrimination which they still experience.

DAS is calling for action to ensure greater support and opportunities for disabled people. DAS wants to see a concerted effort by the UK Government, Scottish Government, local authorities and other bodies to reduce the disability employment gap, as well as effective coordination between the UK and Scottish Government’s on the new social security system is underpinned by a commitment to human rights, dignity and respect.

Representatives from DAS, an alliance of Scotland’s six major disability charities Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, Capability Scotland, ENABLE Scotland, RNIB Scotland, SAMH and Sense Scotland; highlighted that disabled people continue to feel they are not equal citizens in Scottish society and more needs to be done to improve their life opportunities.

I am supporting the alliance’s calls after hearing the charities’ representatives -;including Matthew Clark and Sandra Wilson from RNIB Scotland -; talk about the everyday challenges of living with a disability at DAS’s ‘Policy priorities for disabled people’ event in the House of Commons.

It is concerning that disabled people, such as Matthew and Sandra, are continuing to face barriers in their lives -; whether it’s using public transport or getting the support they need to take up everyday opportunities which others in society may take for granted.

I urge disabled people in Edinburgh South to contact me when they encounter difficulty accessing services or have experienced discrimination. I’m pleased to be supporting DAS’s campaigning to raise awareness about the many positive contributions being made by disabled people in our communities and to end the stigma of disability.