BUSINESSES that go the extra mile for disabled people are to be heralded at the
\nthird National Independent Living Awards.<\/p>\n
Manchester-based Breakthrough UK wants to celebrate organisations who
\nconsistently champion disabled people by ensuring recruitment practices do not
\ncreate barriers, making public places more accessible or providing modern
\naccessible homes.<\/p>\n
Breakthrough UK is a not-for-profit organisation which is at the forefront of
\ntackling barriers to employment and independence experienced by many disabled
\npeople.<\/p>\n
It established the awards in 2007 to applaud those commercial and voluntary
\norganisations that excel in promoting the independence of disabled people.<\/p>\n
Categories in this year’s Awards will be presented to companies that promote:
\ngood practice in employing disabled people; accessible public transport; and the
\nprovision of accessible, useful, and timely information.<\/p>\n
Other categories are open to groups or organisations that promote: peer support
\namong disabled people; and an overall independent living initiative.<\/p>\n
A new category has also been created in this year’s Breakthrough UK Independent
\nLiving Awards to celebrate the outstanding business achievements of a young
\ndisabled person.<\/p>\n
The ‘young entrepreneur’ prize is open to all disabled people under the age of
\n35 who have established their own business, organisation or initiative.<\/p>\n
Lorraine Gradwell MBE, chief executive of Breakthrough UK, said: “The
\nIndependent Living Awards are a fantastic way to reward companies and
\norganisations that value disabled people.<\/p>\n
“Last year we had a superb shortlist of people who had put disabled people at
\nthe heart of their business and this year we are hoping to see similar
\ninspirational stories.”<\/p>\n
Sponsors of this year’s event already include the North West Strategic Health
\nAuthority, the Harvest Housing Group, Manchester City Council and the North West
\nRegional Development Agency (NWDA).<\/p>\n
Among the winners of last year’s Awards were: The Trafford Centre (accessible
\ninformation); Warrington Disability Partnership (best independent living
\ninitiative); and Manchester-based Body Positive North West (excellence in the
\nemployment of disabled people and peer support).<\/p>\n
Dave Wilson, head of people and policy for BT – which won the Award for
\nExcellence in the Employment of Disabled People (Public and Private Sector) –
\nsaid: “The Breakthrough Awards are fantastic recognition of our approach to the
\ninclusion of disabled people on our workforce and as customers.”<\/p>\n
Nominations open on February 1, 2010, and all entries must be received by March
\n19, 2010. The awards ceremony will be held at Manchester Town Hall on June 16,
\n2010.<\/p>\n
Further information about how to enter can be found at www.breakthrough-uk.co.uk
\nor by contacting Theresa Cartmill on 0161 273 5412.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Manchester-based Breakthrough UK wants to celebrate organisations whoconsistently champion disabled people by ensuring recruitment practices do notcreate barriers, making public places more accessible or providing modernaccessible homes. <\/p>\n