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<\/a><\/p>\nAdditional funding of \u00a3500,000 will be delivered to strengthen access to essential services and projects that disabled people rely on.<\/strong><\/p>\n It comes as a result of dialogue with Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour on the best way to support Disabled People\u2019s Organisations and follows his tireless campaigning on behalf of disabled people throughout this parliamentary session.<\/p>\n The additional investment will support our Improving Access Fund, announced earlier this year as part of the Scottish Government\u2019s Disability Equality Plan. This brings the total funding available in the fund to \u00a31.5 million.<\/p>\n Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: \u201cWe made it very clear when launching our Disability Equality Plan that disabled people are a priority for the Scottish Government.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn order to deliver lasting change, we must improve access to vital support and services. That\u2019s why the Scottish Government is boosting the amount available via the Improving Access Fund. This means we are committing to invest \u00a33 million to support the overall Disability Equality Plan and improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland.<\/p>\n \u201cWe also recognise the vital role Disabled People\u2019s Organisations play in working to support and empower disabled people, and so we are committing to explore multi-year funding for those organisations.\u201d<\/p>\n Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour said: \u201cI am proud to have worked with the Scottish Government to deliver new money for disabled people in Scotland.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis funding is a solid step in the right direction, but it must not be the last step. I believe a wider debate needs to take place on how best to support disabled people across into the next parliament.<\/p>\n \u201cDelivery of a multi-year funding deal is a welcome commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n Inclusion Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of an additional \u00a30.5 million for the Improving Access Fund:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis funding will help deliver the actions set out in the Disability Equality Plan launched earlier this year. <\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue to work alongside Glasgow Disability Alliance<\/a>, Disability Equality Scotland<\/a>, and disabled people to ensure the fund brings real and lasting improvements to disabled people\u2019s everyday lives, while building momentum and commitment towards securing all the resources needed to achieve equality.\u201d<\/p>\n The Improving Access Fund will open for applications in autumn this year.<\/p>\n Disability Equality Plan<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n