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<p>On Tuesday 25 June, the Government launched a new cross-government approach on
disability which is guided by a vision that recognises the contributions that disabled
people make and where disabled people can participate fully in society. To drive forward
this approach, government will establish a new cross-departmental disability team
in the Cabinet Office, and the Office for Disability Issues (ODI) will be incorporated
into the team. This move recognises that disabled people, including those with hidden
disabilities, face barriers across the life course and a wide range of aspects of
their lives and coordinated cross-government action is therefore vital.</p><p>The
British Standards Institution, and others involved in supporting the “Grace’s Sign”
campaign, are currently exploring the potential for developing a symbol for hidden
disabilities. The project is in an early scoping phase, but its intended aim is that
the symbol would be recognised by the International Organization for Standardization.
Achieving this involves a multi-stage process, which can take time, but if successful,
greatly enhances the chances of its sustained future use in public signage. If successful,
greater use and public acceptance of such a symbol would increase awareness of hidden
disabilities, and help promote an understanding of the possible access and support
needs of people with hidden disabilities.</p><p>Various Sector Champions appointed
by the Minister for Disabled People are working within their sectors to support all
disabled people, raise awareness of their needs and drive improvements in how these
are met. Examples relating to hidden disabilities include: railway franchises thinking
about supporting people with a wider range of disabilities, including through quiet
areas at stations; a lanyard to identify those with hidden disabilities at airports,
with staff trained to recognise this and offer help; and within the retail sector,
many large stores holding quiet hours (no music and dimmed lighting) to improve the
shopping experience for those with some hidden disabilities (such as autism or ADHD).</p><p>
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