Lords to debate hidden disabilities
Peers including the former President of the National Autistic Society and a former Chief Inspector of Prisons will discuss the education and training that is available to people with hidden disabilities, such as dyslexia and autism, on Thursday 28 June.
Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat), Vice-President of the British Dyslexia Association, who tabled the debate and will speak first, said:
“In society, we have a tendency to ignore those who need just a little bit of help and concentrate on those who need a lot.
“Unfortunately, these hidden disabilities – such as dyslexia, for example - tend to be vastly over-represented among the long-term unemployed and within our prison service and other areas.
“I hope that this debate will bring some of these issues to the fore and encourage the Government to help people affected by hidden disabilities aware of the opportunities for education and training that are available to them.”
Other Members scheduled to speak include:
- Baroness Browning (Conservative), former Opposition Spokesperson for Education and Employment (Education and Disability) and Vice-President of the National Autistic Society;
- Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour), Opposition Spokesperson for Education; and
- Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench), former Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales.
Lord Touhig (Labour) and Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat) are also expected to take part in the debate.
Lord Hill of Oareford (Conservative), will respond on behalf of the government.
The debate is open to media and the public. Please allow time for security screening.
The debate will also be broadcast live on Parliament TV.
