West Midlands to be at the forefront of tackling inequalities faced by disabled people

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has set out a bold ambition to be at the vanguard of tackling the daily inequalities faced by disabled people.

In launching its ‘Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People’ report, the WMCA has become the first mayoral combined authority to declare its intention to be at the forefront of supporting disabled people.

It comes at a time when government is set to introduce the largest shake up to the welfare system in a generation, aiming to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who can or have the potential to work into jobs.

The report, which has been co-produced over the last year with the WMCA’s seven constituent Local Authorities, disability organisations and disabled people, was launched earlier this week at a joint event with Midlands Ability – a network of employers that shares best practice and is committed to helping disabled people get work and stay in work.

L-R: Kwabena Osayande, Equalities and Diversity Manager at WMCA, Sammey Ahmed of Deaf World, Dr Mark Fosbrook, Senior Policy Officer - Health and Disability at WMCA, Alistair Crisp of Sustrans, Nabila Gardner, of Ways for Wellbeing UK CIC, Simon Hall, Senior Delivery Manager - Wellbeing and Prevention at WMCA and Paul Hopkins with his guide dog Pyrgo at the launch of the report at Sense Touchbase Pears in Selly Oak.

The report highlights the start of a journey and a call to action for everybody to play their part in helping shape positive change.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Nearly 800,000 people living in the West Midlands have a disability. These are people living, working and travelling through the region like anyone else, and we are determined to ensure they can do just that, whatever they want to do in their life or wherever they want to go.

“The West Midlands is proud to be diverse and inclusive, and we are committed to becoming an Exemplary Region for Disabled People.

“This report sets out what that looks like - better access to good jobs, affordable and accessible homes, reliable and inclusive transport and the skills people need to thrive.

“I fully recognise the scale of the challenge and I’m grateful to those people who have shared their experiences and have shaped this work.  Becoming an exemplar region for inclusion won’t happen overnight - but I’m determined to work together to make this a reality for everyone in the region.”

The report highlights significant inequalities faced by approximately 780,000 (27% of the population) disabled people in the region and explores the opportunities that could be unlocked by addressing these as well as practical recommendations in line with the Mayor’s priorities, Growth, Homes, Jobs and Journeys - for everyone:

• To launch a Disabled People’s Voice Network
• Ensure that good quality homes are made accessible and meet demand
• Develop a regional voluntary employer commitment to reduce the disability employment and pay gap
• Continue to work with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to promote inclusive design
• Improve accessible information standards

By realising the ambitions for becoming an exemplary region, the report suggests that living, working or visiting the region for a disabled person will feel very different and equal to non-disabled people – making them feel valued and empowered.

For example, a disabled person will be able to make a journey without having to plan every aspect or worry about getting the support they need; they will have a suitable, accessible home in a community where they feel safe and connected; and they are able to feel secure in a good job and feel they can to contribute to society.

The WMCA set up an independent Disability Working Group to shape the report, chaired by broadcaster and disability rights advocate Dr Shani Dhanda, to work with the combined authority and local councils on easing barriers for disabled people across sectors such as housing, public transport and jobs. With the launch of the report the work of this group will continue and become more strategic.

Dr Shani Dhanda, Chair of the WMCA Disability Working Group, said: “Disabled people face significant barriers that go beyond the experience of disability itself – they’re rooted in systems, attitudes, and infrastructure.

“This report is not just a reflection of these challenges but a call to action for systemic change and clearly defined opportunities for urgent action. The journey towards intersectional inclusion is just beginning, and together, we can build a region that leads by example in disability justice."

WMCA has also shown its commitment to this ambition by appointing former Paralympian Dr Mark Fosbrook in a permanent role to champion this work and amplify the voices of disabled people. He will be engaging with regional stakeholders to move forward on the next steps to the findings and recommendations in the report.

Dr Fosbrook said: “There has never been a more important time to address the root causes of inequalities that disabled people face on a daily basis. Often these challenges are met with reactive solutions that may create some short-term relief but does not change anything in the long term.

“This ambition is about fundamentally changing the way in which our leaders and decision makers think and act. It creates a platform for the voices of disabled people to be heard and then coproduce change together. It challenges thinking in a supportive way that focuses on where there is most need.

“This is the start of the journey, and it is important that as many people as possible share in this collective ambition to be an exemplary region. It is about being open to getting things wrong and learning from them and becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable, understanding that everyone is part of the jigsaw and all the pieces are equally important.”  

The WMCA’s Thrive into Work initiative has been highlighted in the report as a good example of how to break down barriers. It shares how the programme supported a woman with mental health issues, and who cares for a son with Cerebral Palsy, back into permanent employment after 18 years.

This week has also seen the WMCA investment board approve £5.7m for Connect to Work – an initiative that will build on Thrive into Work to support young people with health conditions into employment.

The findings of the ‘Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People’ report will be used to help ensure project work within the WMCA such as Connect to Work and collaborations with partners, are inclusive to all.

For information about the government’s welfare reform see: Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation to get Britain working - GOV.UK