Opinions we make of the world are based on our values and past experience. Now imagine having to walk in on a discussion and having to justify an opinion which opposed your own. This is what Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) do on a regular basis in a session called Debatable. The GMCDP was formed to educate and empower disabled people in society by way of political debates, task groups and working with other organisations like schools dealing with disability related issues.
Derek, the project manager, and Brett, a youth participation worker, decided a while back to add a bit more fizz to the group by injecting an issue and watching a heated debate develop, which was inspired by debate sessions carried out in schools and colleges. The aim, in Derek's view, was to "get people to think of issues they'd never thought of". Issues like "has political correctness gone too far? Should we be holding the Olympics in times of austerity?" Ideally, people would be put in a group which oppose their view in order to urge people to understand both sides of the story and to think for and against any issue before taking a stand. Daniel, a participant, says "I see it as looking at issues from a new perspective to understand the whole story".
People may ask well what has this got to do with disabled young people? GMCDP would answer that it makes disabled people aware of political issues that they may accept as way of life, but is in fact an issue that should be highlighted, discussed and campaigned against. There is always a topic related directly to disability, giving disabled people a voice that they may feel they don't have.
As a lead on from these discussions the GMCDP also organise regular campaigning groups to act on the issues, fighting for what's right like they did in the old days when they chained themselves buses! Daniel shared his views on the project saying "at first I felt quite out of place, I didn't feel like I belonged, but I'm pleased I stuck with it as its let me be more creative with things that perviously I didn't think I'd be able to do. lt's opened my eyes".
GMCDP is always on the look out for enthusiastic young disabled people to join in on activities put on throughout the week, during the day. For more information please visit their Facebook page