Congleton’s Equal Access Advisory Group Dismayed by Harmful Narrative Around Disability

Congleton’s Equal Access Advisory Group has expressed deep concern at the recent rise in harmful rhetoric surrounding disability and disabled people, following recent UK government announcements about changes to disability benefits.

Members of the group, which advises the town council on accessibility and inclusion for all in the Congleton area, say they are dismayed by the wave of negativity spreading across social media and in public conversations. Disabled people are increasingly being portrayed as a burden to society, blamed for their circumstances, and judged unfairly without any understanding of the barriers they face every day.

Mayor of Congleton Cllr Kay Wesley, who works with the Equal Access Advisory Group, explained the impact on group members:

“This narrative is not only deeply hurtful, it is dangerous The reality is that many disabled people want to do paid work, but the infrastructure simply isn’t there to support them. Whether it's inaccessible transport, inadequate support services, or lack of reasonable adjustments in workplaces, the barriers are systemic, not personal failings.

“I recently attended a Jobs Fair at the Town Hall organised by Job Centre Plus, which focused on potential employees with access needs, and it was clear to me that when businesses and training providers take steps to include people, everyone benefits. The organisations get qualified and loyal workers, and people with health conditions and disabilities get the career fulfilment they deserve and financial stability they need.”

The group highlights that facilities such as public transport, office buildings, streets and other infrastructure have mostly been designed without accessibility in mind. Health services are often underfunded with long waiting lists, and all these factors make it incredibly difficult for people with disabilities and health conditions to go to work and participate fully in society.

Dr Deborah Lawson, Chair of the Equal Access Advisory Group, added:

“Too often, society disables people through inaccessible environments, inflexible systems, and assumptions about what people can or can’t do. We also need to recognise that not everyone is able to engage in paid work – but that doesn’t make their contributions any less valuable.

“Disabled people often contribute in many meaningful ways as volunteers, carers, campaigners, and citizens with rich lived experience. Everyone brings value in different ways, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The Equal Access Advisory Group is calling for a more compassionate and informed public discourse around disability and a commitment to building a society where inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundational principle on which businesses, public services and communities are built.

Pictured - Anne Roberts and Cllr Wesley at Jobs Fair.