4. Statement by the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip: Marking the International Day of People with Disabilities

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:16 pm on 1 December 2020.

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Photo of Joyce Watson Joyce Watson Labour 3:16, 1 December 2020

I thank you, Minister, for your statement today. To mark the international day on Thursday, I, along with others, will be taking part in a panel discussion for Leonard Cheshire Cymru, and the topic is political engagement, encouraging young disabled people to use their voice and vote in the political process. So, today's discussion will be a good jumping-off point for that event. This year, of course, the day is framed by the pandemic, and I have a couple of questions concerning disability and coronavirus. Firstly, Minister, have you had discussions with Unison about its research on disabled employees and home working? According to their research, disabled employees working from home have been more productive and have taken fewer sick days than when they were in an office. So, would the Welsh Government support the union's call to give disabled people new rights to work from home if they wish as part of the 'reasonable adjustments' protection they already have under equality legislation? 

My second point is that not all disabilities are visible, as has been mentioned several times here today. Some, obviously, are more visible than others. This week also marks Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, and it's estimated that a quarter of people with those conditions have been classified in the 'extremely vulnerable' category. One of the major issues they have faced throughout the pandemic is access to free, clean and available toilets. So, will you back the Crohn's and Colitis UK campaign to ensure that all public services, businesses and employers display appropriate signage on their toilets to indicate that not every disability is visible? And specifically, will the Welsh Government work with Crohn's and Colitis UK to prioritise access to toilet facilities with appropriate changing and waste disposal services to allow everyone with ostomy bags to be able to change these with dignity in a private and hygienic environment, and not disable these individuals from living a full life like everybody else does simply because they can't access the appropriate toilet facilities? Thank you.