• the decline of the Disability Movement in Britain; and
• the demands of the new Disability Equality Duty on public bodies.

The Council is made up of Disabled People with a proven knowledge of Disability Equality and a clear grasp of the Social Model of Disability, who can represent the interests of Disabled People in the South East, regardless of the nature of their impairment.  It has been formed to provide:

• information, advice and guidance to public bodies regarding Disability Equality;
• programmes for the recruitment, selection and training of Disabled People seeking to be involved in public life.

The initiative is endorsed by other organisations of Disabled People in the South East, who will join HCODP and SCIL to develop it over its first three years.  A number of public bodies have expressed interest in the idea, believing it to have the potential to provide solutions to their needs.

Disability Equality is about the self-determination of a people, Disabled People.  This can only be achieved with Disabled People in the lead.