This week marks 25 years since the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act was passed in parliament. This landmark act made it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in relation to employment, the provision of goods and services, education and transport for the very first time.
To mark the occasion, the Diocese of Chester is publishing a series of interviews with Christians who are themselves disabled.
Leading the conversation is the Revd Mark Turner, Associate Priest of Eastham and Chaplain of Birkenhead School, who has spoken candidly in the past about his own personal difficulties that led to him having a stoma bag.
He says: “This series of conversations is about three things: disability, the pandemic, and faith. It’s been great to hear from five wonderful people who each have their own struggles in terms of disability but for whom God is their salvation and strength. It’s been a privilege to speak with them and to hear their stories, particularly as we mark 25 years since the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act, an act of parliament that has done so much for the lives of disabled people.”
Around the UK, an estimated 1 in 5 people is disabled.
If you would like more information about disability, inclusion, and the Church, contact Vanessa Layfield, the Disability and Inclusion Officer in the Diocese of Chester.
T: 07517 994 493 E: vanessa.layfield@chester.anglican.org
The Revd Mark Turner interviews the Revd Bob Shrine who is profoundly deaf.
Revd Mark Turner interviews Revd Laura Leatherbarrow who has Behcet's Disease.
Revd Mark Turner interviews Sally who has ADHD.
Revd Mark Turner interviews Vanessa Layfield who has Rheumatoid arthritis.
Revd Mark Turner interviews Sam who has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.