Hansard

I am delighted to speak in this important members' business debate, and I commend Trish Godman for securing it. As a Liberal Democrat, I am absolutely committed to the human rights of all. Human rights are universal, and they must be universally applied. No individual, whatever their circumstances, should be left out.

Wheelchair users deserve the support that they need to live full and active lives. Ensuring that such support is provided is a matter of guaranteeing their human rights. Fortunately, large strides have been made in recent years to improve access and services for wheelchair users, but all sides in the chamber and beyond acknowledge that a great deal more remains to be done. The days of wheelchair access being an afterthought are no more, and there is a fuller recognition throughout Scotland not only of the needs of wheelchair users but of their rights.

As part of the previous Executive, the Liberal Democrats endorsed "Moving Forward: Review of NHS Wheelchair and Seating Services in Scotland" and we support its conclusions, which include the need to address the lifestyle requirements of wheelchair users; the need to base service delivery on holistic requirements; the need to ensure consistent provision across the country; and the need to deliver a seamless multi-agency service, locally and nationally, to users and carers. We will work constructively with the Government to make progress on each of those areas and to help liberate wheelchair users from some of the difficulties that they face.

The role of carers should not be forgotten in the debate. Much of the assistance that individuals in wheelchairs receive comes from family members and friends, and it is incumbent on us not just to pay tribute to those who provide care but to do what we can to support them. We must never lose sight of the tremendously valuable work that carers in Scotland do, and we should always be grateful for it.

More money is going into providing wheelchair services, but it must get to where it is needed most and be spent in ways that improve the lives of wheelchair users directly and give them options in place of restrictions. Most important of all, it is clear that people who use a wheelchair should have access to one that is right for their requirements and circumstances. That is not just a question of comfort or preventing further injury; it is crucial if individuals are to take advantage of employment and educational opportunities, and to participate in social and leisure activities. That is their right and our responsibility. Wheelchair users want to lead mobile and independent lives, and they deserve every chance to do so.

I never cease to be amazed by the skill, courage and commitment of wheelchair athletes in basketball, tennis and other sports. As sport spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, I am conscious of the need to do more to encourage sporting participation and provision for all in our society. Disability should be no barrier to that.

The other aspect of the portfolio for which I am spokesperson is housing and communities. I note with interest Gordon Brown's recent proposals that new homes should be made considerably more wheelchair friendly. Although a number of issues surround such plans, they serve to illustrate that the rights of wheelchair users have advanced far up the political agenda. We have a duty to keep them there. This debate represents an excellent starting point, but it is just a start.

The motion calls for wheelchair users to be able to

"lead tolerable lives in their communities."

That must be the bare minimum of our ambition as we strive to respect fully the human rights of all wheelchair users and support them in leading lives that are not merely tolerable but fulfilling, rewarding, productive and independent.