Glasgow Disability Alliance

Help raise money for GDA and get your festive cards sent in one go! Simply choose one of the gorgeous cards designed by our members, then select your preferred donation. All funds go towards GDA! Get started here: https://lnkd.in/ePs9rzZe

Disabled people face barriers and discrimination, but on International Day of Disabled People 2024, let’s highlight the valuable contributions we make to friends, families and communities. When the right support is in place, we can come together to talk, learn, try new things and fight for our rights – or just have fun! GDA members say: ✊ “I am so proud to say GDA is my community. So many other places have failed us and let us down. GDA has provided practical support, peer support and skill building. We have a voice and we can talk about the things that matter, working together for change.” 💗 “Without GDA activities, I would be isolated, with no sense of purpose or belonging to anything. Access needs are sorted and talking with people in the same boat and planning action is so empowering - it gives a sense of control when everything else is spiralling.” We're looking back at some of the fun activities our members have been involved in this year. It's free and easy to become a GDA member. Visit https://gda.scot/member/ or call 0141 556 7103.

On International Day of Disabled People, we're sending a big shout-out to GDA's #DriversForChange Network who give time and energy speaking out, campaigning, collaborating for change and providing #PeerSupport to other disabled people. They use their voices and lived experience to influence policy and decision-makers to improve disabled people's lives. If you would like to get involved or learn more about GDA's Drivers for Change Network, email voices@gdaonline.co.uk or call 0141 556 7103. Check out: https://lnkd.in/eDEQBt-g

Today is International Day of Disabled People, an opportunity to celebrate disabled people’s hard won rights and achievements, along with the contributions disabled people can and do make – when they have the right support. However, these rights have been regressed, and so it is also ominous to be reflecting the day before the Scottish budget is announced, at a time when 97% of disabled people admit feeling forgotten in Government priorities and plans. Disabled people are suffering. #IDDP24 and Disability History Month is also a call to action. Simply put, disabled people are experiencing poverty, inequality and human rights regressions. As GDA CEO Tressa Burke writes, “Every day at GDA we facilitate the dignity, freedom, fairness and participation for those we represent. We demand equality, rights and social justice for disabled people and the fairness that others take for granted. Prioritise disabled people: involve us and invest in us – disabled people matter and deserve fairness, rights and justice.” Read the rest of Tressa’s important message here: https://lnkd.in/euuCBsUK

Saturday was National Computer Security Day! November 30 is a day dedicated to raising awareness about keeping your online data secure and safe. These days, electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers make up an important component of our everyday lives. While communication has become easier and more efficient than ever, technological advancements have brought new concerns about privacy and security. If you'd like to chat about your online safety and security, reach out to the GDA Connects team by emailing connect@gdaonline.co.uk or calling 0141 556 7103. For more information about the GDA Connects project, visit https://lnkd.in/eebhqEuJ

This Friday, 2:30pm - 4pm! 🃏🎲 Join GDA on Zoom for a fun afternoon of games, puzzles and everyone's favourite - a quiz! To register, email learning@gdaonline.co.uk or call 0141 556 7103.

Disability History Month is an opportunity to celebrate disabled people’s hard-won rights and achievements along with the contributions disabled people can and do make - when they have the support they need. This year, for Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in Scotland, it is also a time to call on the Scottish Government, COSLA, Unions and all political parties to “not let the moment pass” and to continue to work together, alongside disabled people, on developing a National Care Service with those who need social care at the heart of its design and delivery. "As we wait for reform, members of our Movement are reporting that they cannot get washed, dressed, go to the toilet or eat because they cannot get the social care support they need. But it is not only these basic tasks for which social care is so badly needed; it’s their ability to live a purposeful life, within their family and community at large. Even for those who do get social care, they are charged exorbitant fees, which plunge them further into poverty." Read the rest of our open letter now: https://lnkd.in/eyExuXCq Signed: Disability Equality Scotland DG Voice Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living Glasgow Disability Alliance Inclusion Scotland Lothian Centre For Inclusive Living

Watch now! Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, explaining to the Scottish Parliament the reasons behind the delay to the NCS Bill.

📺 It's World Television Day! This is not so much a celebration of the device, but rather the philosophy of television as a symbol for communication and globalisation in the contemporary world. Television is acknowledged as a major tool in informing, channelling and affecting public opinion, and continues to be the single largest source of video consumption. Traditional over-the-air TV channels are in slow decline, in favour of streaming companies whose TV signal is received through internet connections. 🖥 We are fortunate to have a limited number of monitors available to distribute to disabled people. You can connect this to an existing device to help you watch online television and video content on a larger screen, like the person in the photo. To discuss this opportunity, please contact connect@gdaonline.co.uk or call 0141 556 7103.

GDA's Social Care Expert by Experience Group (SCEG) met yesterday in person and online to co-design and discuss independent advocacy. #GDAHybrid Members called for disability equality and independent living training for workers. A GDA member said, 'Having someone listen to you who has lived experience and understanding is so valuable. DPOs like GDA have a definite role here.' The group discussed recent changes to the National Care Service Bill and policy developments on independent advocacy. Disabled people are disappointed by the Bill delays and want consistency, standards and meaningful accountability to enable #dignity, #participation and a life of purpose.   Do you use or need social care? Join SCEG! Email voices@gdaonline.co.uk or call 0141 556 7103. For more info: https://lnkd.in/eR4xYjDZ