History
Disability Wales Timeline
Some of the significant dates in the history of Disability Wales and its members include:
1972: Wales Council for the Disabled (WCD) established as a committee of the Council for Social Service in Wales.
1976: WCD becomes an autonomous voluntary body
1981: During the International Year of Disabled People, WCD hosts a worldwide conference in Swansea University for disabled people
1991: Introduction of the Community Care Act
1994: WCD members vote to change its name to Disability Wales to reflect the changing aspirations of and attitudes towards disabled people
1995: Introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act
1996: Introduction of the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act
2003: During the European Year of Disabled People, DW members vote for the organisation to be run and controlled by disabled people and to formally adopt the Social Model of Disability
2005: Introduction of the Disability Equality Duty
2008: DW commences a three year programme to involve members and stakeholders in developing a Manifesto for Independent Living
2010: Introduction of the Equality Act replacing the DDA (1995 & 2005)
2011: DW publishes its Manifesto for Independent Living prior to the National Assembly Elections. The Welsh Government responds by announcing plans to develop a Framework for Action on Independent Living underpinned by the Wales Public Sector Equality Duties
2012: DW celebrates its 40th Anniversary through a range of activities including an oral history project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund – the Story at 40: the lives and times of disabled people in Wales.
