Thanks to K for emailing me this.

Note : If you want to attend this event please email your name to mya.stevens@radar.org.uk to register your attendance. Places are limited to 80.

RADAR is organising a series of debates in different parts of the country to promote discussion of the relevance of disability equality to solving some of today's biggest policy challenges.  

You are invited to the inaugural debate on Monday September 1^st from 4.00 – 6.30pm where the motion to be debated is:

“This House believes that the majority of disabled people can and should work.”

With the recently published green paper on Welfare Reform, the forthcoming Welfare Reform Bill in the next Parliamentary session and the commitment to an 80% national employment rate, policies on employment and disability are a priority for everyone living with ill-health, injury or disability, for all political parties, for employers and indeed for Britain as a whole.  

This debate will touch on critical questions including:

• Does equality mean we should expect the same of (most) disabled and non-disabled people - that they should work to support themselves and their families, provide for their pension and contribute to Britain through the tax system?
• What are the different responsibilities of employers, the State and individuals?
• What would make most difference to increasing the employment opportunities of people living with ill-health, injury or disability? 
• How do we guard against poverty of disabled people and their families?

Keynote speech:

Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People. 

Proposing the motion are:

• Dr Rachel Perkins, Director of Quality Assurance, South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust,  member of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee and user of mental health services  
• David Freud, government advisor on welfare reform   

Opposing the motion are:

• Sir Bert Massie CBE, Commissioner of the  Compact and Commissioner, Equality and Human Rights Commission  
• Vanessa Stanislas, Chief Executive, Disability Alliance (tbc)  

The debate will be followed by open discussion, a vote on the motion and table discussions on what is needed to improve employment opportunities for people living with ill-health, injury or disability. 

RADAR is holding these debates to inform RADAR 's policy proposals in advance of the next general election.  We want to hear what you think on employment policy so we will be asking you for the three priorities you’d like to see included in the political parties' manifestos. 

This debate is on September 1^st at the Brit Oval in Kennington SE11 5SS, from 4:00 – 6.30pm, followed by drinks and canapés.

I hope you’ll be able to join us for the first in a series of RADAR debates.  Please feel free to disseminate this invitation to your colleagues and coworkers.  

Best wishes, 

Liz Sayce

Chief Executive, RADAR 

RADAR's vision is of a world where human difference is routinely anticipated, expertly accommodated and positively celebrated.

Have you booked your table for this year's People of the Year Awards on 1 December? Set in one of the Capital's most stunning venues, this exciting black tie event is the perfect opportunity to join leading figures in the disability movement, business and industry peers, Ministers, MPs and people from the arts and media, in celebrating the achievements of organisations and individuals who are making the UK a fairer and more equal place to live.

Hosted by the incomparable Jeremy Hardy, this year's People of the Year Awards is set to be the disability event of the Year. What better way to kick start the festive season than by joining RADAR and friends for an evening of sumptuous cuisine, sparkling cocktails and some seriously high octane entertainment.  

Whether buying a table, thinking about sponsorship, or you would simply like some more information, please email Leonore.Lord@radar.org.uk

The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England no.1295856 and a registered charity no. 273150

RADAR: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF, Fax 0870 141 0337, Minicom 020 7250 4119 

Websites: http://www.radar.org.uk and www.RADAR-shop.org.uk