WE WANT to see a world: Where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Where, in our interactions with disabled people, we consider all of the qualities and characteristics that go to make people distinctive and unique, not only their impairment or condition. Where there is no limit on potential. Where every disabled person has the right to live their life and work towards their goals without being limited by other people’s expectations or prejudices.

Where there is freedom to choose. Where every disabled person has the right to exercise choice and control over all decisions, (where they have the mental capacity or an advocate or parent) that shape their future including the products, services and support programmes they use. Where all service developments are designed to support disabled people enabling them to become increasingly independent and to live their lives within the community of their choice.

Where all disabled people have the same opportunity to education, work, building a home and social life, and access to any location or venue that other people in our society enjoy. No more. No less.

Adapted from Scope-Our Vision! (See their website for further details of their promises!) In addition my wife and I would like to see a world: Where Scope, as a national specialist charity, discusses, with their clients, families and the local community they serve, in a timely manner, of changes that will affect their future and their subsequent actions reflect their values. (see above) Where Scope recruit, train and care for their staff in a professional manner.

Where Shapland Close and the bungalow on Spiders Island – my son’s happy home for several years before his death in 1998 – are held as shining beacons of national excellent practice and remain open and fully utilised.

What world do you want to see Salisbury?

BARRY AND JENNY STAY Salisbury