Taxi drivers could have to do disability awareness training under new plans

17 July 2023 , 23:01

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Making improvements in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries are also being considered (Image: SWNS)

Taxi drivers could have to undergo awareness training under new proposals aimed at improving the lives of disabled people.

Plans would ensure businesses across the country are aware of disabled people’s needs, such as whether they require access for a Guide Dog

Making improvements in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries, and bringing in a British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE are among other measures being considered as part of the Government's Disability Action Plan.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said proposals include encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors and promoting assistive technology to make sure more disabled people have access.

Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove said the government 'want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making' (Getty)

Plans will also look at legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers "to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people".

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People are being urged to respond to a newly-launched consultation, which opens today (TUES) and runs for 12 weeks, and which will be used to inform the plan later this year. It will be open for anyone to comment to ensure it is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities.

Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove said the government “want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making”. He said: “Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.

"From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change. We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.”

Chair of the Disability Unit at the West Midlands’s Regional Stakeholder Network, Louise Mckiernan said: “The launch of this consultation is an important opportunity for disabled people in particular to have their say and to help shape the Government's short-term plans. I would encourage as many disabled people, disability organisations and other interested parties as possible to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard.”

The Plan builds on the passing of landmark legislation, including the Down Syndrome Act and BSL Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.

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Sophie Huskisson