Telephone: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Telephone: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Optua Annual Conference Report 2007
Our last Annual Conference took place in 2007. To read the report please click here.
We've not held a conference since 2007 but still work hard to represent the views of disabled people in Suffolk and to keep them informed. Please browse the website for other events and projects we are involved in which might interest you.
'Is anyone really listening?' That's the question which was asked at our Annual Conference on 1st November 2007 at the Holiday Inn at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich.
This year's conference followed on from last year's which had the theme of 'Independence, Well-being and Choice - Pigs might fly!', and looked at the impact of funding cuts to the key services which disabled people rely on. The focus this year was on whether disabled people are asked what they think about changes to these services and the way in which they are delivered, and whether they are really listened to and given the opportunity to give their point of view on such issues as the choice and control they have over their lives.
Around 100 people came along to hear a series of presentations and take part in workshops to discuss the issues raised. The key speakers at the conference, all of whom are disabled themselves, were Anne Pridmore, Chair of the UK Disabled People's Council and Sue Bott, the Director of the National Centre for Independent Living, local elite disabled athlete Brian Alldis and two other disabled people, speaking about their personal experiences of choice and control.
Colin Poole, Chief Executive of Optua, said: "We had very good speakers at our conference who all gave their different accounts and experiences. It's clear that it's hard work making sure the views of disabled people are listened to by the Government, local authorities and society in general, but it's also clear that disabled people achieve a great deal if their views are listened to and they are given choice and control over their lives. We heard a very inspiring presentation from Brian Alldis who is a local disabled athlete hoping to reach the very top of his sport. Brian is an example of someone who has been able to demonstrate exceptional ability because the opportunity was there and he took it. How many other disabled people could also achieve their own personal goals if they are listened to?"
The full report from the conference will be made available in the near future. To request a copy please call Optua on 01473 836777.
The speakers at the confernece were:
