Westminster Action Network on Disability

WAND's Aims & Background

According to Westminster Council, there are roughly 9,800 residents aged 18 or over who have a moderate to severe impairment. Approximately 1,300 residents under 59 are visually impaired and around 2,500 residents aged under 59 are hearing impaired.

Consequently, a group of committed disabled people in Westminster launched WAND in November 2000. The organisation was supported at the time by Westminster Council, GLAD (Greater London Action on Disability) and Frances Hasler, an independent disability consultant.

Our Aims

WAND is informed by the following values:

1. Disability rights
2. Quality Services
3. Genuine partnership
4. Equal opportunities
5. To uphold the social model of disability
6. Accessibility
7. Non-discriminatory policies
8. Diversity

WAND was created in order to coordinate:

• A Help line for disabled people in Westminster, providing information, support, referral and advocacy.
• Input into civic consultation exercises, including the Council's Community Care Plan, though questionnaire responses, public meetings and individual feedback.
• Advice to other agencies on issues affecting local disabled people.
• Access surveys for sports and leisure providers in the Borough.
• Campaigning on local issues.
• A regular forum for disabled people.

A key element of this picture is the need for better communication. Westminster has rich resources with a wide diversity of needs. Matching needs to services with each other will not only improve quality of life but also could strengthen resources and put them into better use. So WAND exists to dismantle the obstacles where we can — and where we can't to help people keep pushing!

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