Disabilities Fife

General information

Disabilities Fife was formed in 1994, following Fife Regional Council’s changes of the equal opportunities consultative process. The first minuted meeting was in September 1994 (and it seems this was the first time the group came together as the Independent Disability Network).

The new process marked the end of the Disability Working Group, (which started in 1989/90 and brought together disable people and staff of Fife Regional Council to discuss issues which emerged). There was seen to be a need for an Independent group, which would represent the views of, disable people throughout Fife and meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common concern. The Independent Disability Network Group and other disabled people in Fife met together with an interest in such independent provision.

Sheila Henderson (Reid Howie Associates) was involved with the Disability Working Group when she was the Equal Opportunities Officer at the Regional Council. Following the establishment of Fife Independent Disability Network (FIDN), RHA provided support with organising the meetings, undertaking administrative work and preparing the minutes from the beginning in 1994 until the first worker was appointed in 1995.
After about a year it was suggested we formed our own group. Fife Independent Disability Network was born and the initial Management Committee consisted of:
Bill Gray: Chair
Elma Mitchell MBE: Secretary
Pauline Medd: Treasurer

We wanted especially Independent in the name as we did not want others dictating what our policies.
After many years of trying simply to get our name about, we are regarded as Fife’s main Disability Group. We have found that it is better we have a hands on approach since it is people like ourselves who are affected by wrong decision making. It is more cost effective if we are consulted in the beginning instead of after mistakes have been made.

We have been and are involved in:
Social Works - "Home Care including 2 reports"
Transport - "Advice on trains, buses and stations"

Access - "With October 2004 now enforced, all buildings including Schools, Hospitals, and Countryside should be accessible, we like to make sure they are. The three areas central, west and north east Fife are looked after by three representatives from FIDN who look over plans which are submitted to Building Control or Planning for acceptance. They make sure disable people’s needs are met at the planning stage".
Fife Independent Disability Network is a voluntary organisation and registered charity set up in order to provide a regular forum for raising issues relating to disability. People come together in an informal setting to share information, and discuss relevant issues, whether relating to discrimination service improvements or more general queries.
In 1997 the network received funding from Fife Council to employ a worker to develop and support the work of the network. This has proved to be a successful and valuable networking function for disabled people living in Fife.
In 2001 FIDN received funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust to employ a sessional worker to network in the West of Fife. This work lasted for 6 months and helped spread word of our work to the West Fife villages.
After producing a Work Plan in 2001, FIDN decided to produce Briefing Papers to inform people of issues. The first, on Transport was launched in November 2001. The second, on Home Care, was launched in July 2002.

Research and campaigning

FIDN recently listened to public concern about cuts to the Home Care Service. Following a Network meeting we consulted with the Manager of the Home Care Service in Fife and were able to give examples of the real effects on ordinary people. As a result £000s were added to this budget from the Scottish Executive. Then, we commissioned independent research to get a clear picture of this service.
Community action and consultation
FIDN listened to concerns from members of the public over transport issues in Fife. Volunteers from the Management Committee carried out research, produced a Transport Briefing Paper which informed every elected member (Councillors, MPs, MSPs) of the position. This information was also sent to relevant organisations (Railtrack, Stagecoach, etc) and was used to brief Fife Council's Transport Department. We also held workshops for disabled people to have an opportunity for their views on community transport to be heard. This led to meaningful consultation.
Committee Work
Members of the Management Committee sit on various committees in Fife Council, NHS, etc. In this way, we are kept up to date with issues and have our say. We provide feedback to members via Network meetings and through our quarterly newsletter.
Consultation
For example, we have several members who represent Disabilities Fife on the Access Assessment Group in Fife Council. We work alongside the Planning and Building Control Departments. This means that often potential access problems are sorted out at an early stage. It also means that Disabilities Fife via AAG can put pressure on managers, owners of buildings who do not go far enough under the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure access.
Members from all over Fife come together several ties per year to discuss disability issues and raise concerns. Individual members are also involved in a number of consultative groups, generally with statutory bodies such as NHS Fife, Fife Council and even the Scottish Government.