Mark Oaten urges Government to Amend "Demeaning" Disability Language

Mark Oaten is urging the Government to amend all legislation which uses offensive and inappropriate language towards disabled individuals including the phrase “invalid carriage”.

The terminology is found in The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 which were made under section 20 of the “Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. This legislation sets out the meaning of “invalid carriages” and provides for the making of regulations for vehicles which classify as such. In simple terms it is referring to mobility scooters and wheelchairs and should just state it as such.

Clearly the use of such language is unnecessary and understandably causes offence to disabled individuals. While it is true that in more recent years legislators have been more careful in the terminology used there are still numerous examples of objectionable language still in use from previous, and as yet un-amended, legislation which requires urgent attention.

Working with disability groups Mark Oaten has contacted the Department for Transport to suggest an amendment is made to the language used. Whilst they agree that a change would be ideal there are presently no plans to do so because it would require a primary legislation amendment.

However Mr Oaten is keen to renew calls to have this legislation changed, and others like it, to bring an end to the use of such phrases that are clearly unacceptable. Having had a positive and supportive response to his idea from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Mark Oaten has today urged the Government once more to review its policy.

Mark Oaten stated:

“I was really surprised to hear that such language was still found on the books. It doesn’t matter when it was written – the simple fact is there is no place for it today.

“I have spoken to many people who quite rightly find this term demeaning and it needs to be changed. If that means we need to amend primary legislation then that’s what should be done.