Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People scoop first place at National Independent Living Awards

June 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Breakthrough UK Ltd held its third Independent Living Awards Ceremony in Manchester Town Hall on 16th June 2010. The event highlighted and celebrated commitment to the independence of disabled people.

The Awards were made to organisations who demonstrated innovation and commitment beyond what is currently accepted as good practice. The event showcased those initiatives that have led the way in supporting disabled people to be independent.

Breakthrough UK's chief executive Lorraine Gradwell said “independence is about making our own decisions concerning how and where disabled people live, about being part of communities and about having the support we need to be active and contributing citizens.”

The NCODP fought off strong competition to take first place within the “Good Practice in Employing Disabled People (Third Sector)” category. The award recognises their work and commitment in not only employing people with a wide range of impairments but also investing in their workforce to ensure disabled employees are able to stay in post and progress within the organisation.

The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People’s chief executive Mark Harrison, when asked what made him most proud having won this award, said “our commitment to disability equality and being a beacon of good practice in employing disabled people has been recognised. It has strengthened and deepened our determination to improve what we do to improve the life chances of disabled people.”  Mark went onto say “I would like to thank Breakthrough for their leadership in this field.”

Lorraine Gradwell, CEO of Breakthrough UK, paid tribute to all entrants by saying "the calibre of the businesses and organisations which have been competing for the awards this year is simply outstanding.
These awards celebrate progress and recognise and applaud the work of the winners and runners-up in supporting independence for disabled people.”

editor’s notes:

A full list of all Breakthrough UK Independent Living Awards 2010 winners can be found at http://www.breakthrough-uk.co.uk

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The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) is a human-rights group controlled by disabled people and their organisations. They organise and take part in campaigns and run services that promote social equality and dignity for all disabled people.

The NCODP regards having an impairment as a normal part of being human. Disability results from people with impairments being excluded by physical and social barriers and negative attitudes. Their main task is to challenge the many forms of discrimination created by these barriers and attitudes.

The NCODP believes that disabled people must take the leading role in decisions that affect their lives both locally and as part of the national and international disability movements in which the NCODP plays an active part. There must be “Nothing about us without us.”