1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Between May 2008 and February 2009 Lucy Johnston Research and Associates and Quarriers undertook a two-stage research project to map the disability sector in Scotland. The project involved collecting and organising existing materials and databases and qualitative research to explore the capacity of disability organisations to engage with public authorities.
1.2 This report summarises and describes the views of disability organisations in relation to their capacity to engage with public authorities and what impacts on that capacity. It uses findings from extensive qualitative research with over 100 disability organisations in Scotland (see methods below).
1.3 This report should be read in conjunction with the other two reports prepared as a result of the project - one on mapping Scotland's disability sector (Mapping Scotland's Disability Organisations, December 2009) and also a resource guide to engaging with disability organisations and disabled people ( Engagement standards, guidance and tool kits: A guide to resources, December2009).
1.4 Together, the three reports contribute to a clearer understanding of disability organisations in Scotland and to a heightening appreciation of how they can individually and collectively engage with public authorities.
Objectives
1.5 The objectives for this part of the project, on the capacity of disability organisations to engage with public authorities, were:
- To explore the level and type of contact/influence organisations have with local authorities, service providers and Scottish Government, including views on whether previous engagement has been successful, and identify any barriers to engagement
- To explore the views of groups and organisations about how to improve public authorities' engagement with disabled people in general
- To identify the extent to which organisations are aware of, and use, existing guidance and standards on community involvement
- To identify good practice in engaging with disabled people and public authorities
- To explore how best to share good practice, knowledge and experience amongst groups, as well as with service providers and policy makers
- To make recommendations as to how to build the capacity of disability groups/organisations to engage with public authorities