Throughout the week, 9th - 15th April 2005, BBC GMR and bbc.co.uk/manchester will be looking at how the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) has improved attitudes, facilities and access for people with a disability. Webchat On Friday 15th there will be a discussion about the issue on BBC GMR at 11.30am. You can also listen online. Following that you'll be able to join us online to put questions direct to Ian Jones from Scope. Click 'webchat' link opposite for more details. Scope's Time To Get Equal campaign is urging businesses to comply with new laws introduced by the DDA. Cathy Elliot, regional appeals manager for Scope North West, says, "Many businesses are aware of the need to make adjustments but very few know what changes to make. They are also worried that any changes or even advice may prove expensive, which isn't necessarily the case." The campaign coincides with the opening of Scope's new regional office for the North West. Full details about Scope's Time To Get Equal campaign can be found on their website - see links opposite. Audio Each day this week we will be hearing a different story from people with cerebral palsy. - To hear Marie Gilbert's story click on the audio link opposite >>
- Lynne is in her sixties. When she was a baby, medical experts thought she would never make a life for herself. Lynne's Mum had other ideas... >>
- Barry will be sixty this year, and has problems with his mobility. When he was younger attitudes to people with disabilities were very different, but from an early age Barry's parents insisted he should be treated just the same as his three able-bodied brothers and sisters >>
- Jackie is in her sixties and says that although times have changed, attitudes towards people with Cerebal Palsy are still stuck firmly in the past >>
- Pat is in his 60s and was born in Lancashire. Part of a big family, as a toddler he came to live in Greater Manchester. Pat, who now lives in Denton, didn't have a birthday celebration until as an adult he left the care of the convent >>
- One to One project - BBC GMR's CSV Action Desk producer Linda Kaye visited a volunteer project in Oldham that helps out disabled young people and their parents. Click on the audio link opposite to hear her report >>
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If you want further information you can call the BBC GMR Action Desk on 0161 244 4321. Useful contacts Disabled Living
Tel: 0161 214 5959
www.disabledliving.co.uk
Gives access to a wide range of info about many aspects of disability, including employment, products, courses, community and leisure. Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People
Telephone: 0161 273 5154
Email: info@gmcdp.com
Organisation run and controlled by disabled people. They promote the independence and integration of disabled people in society and identify any discrimination faced by them Manchester Multi-Agency Partnership for Disabled Children and Young People
Telephone: 0161 881 8116
Email: map@manchester.gov.uk
MAP is an organisation based in Manchester City Centre only. It focuses on children, families and Social Care, and works with various agencies to provide the best and most useful services for all disabled children, teenagers and their parents or carers. National League of the Blind and Disabled
Telephone: 0161 861 7959
Email: nlbd@iftc-tu.org
The National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD) is an independent Trade Union for blind and disabled persons only. They aim to promote the education, training, employment and general welfare of blind and disabled people. Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Telephone: 0161 476 6700
Email: manchester@eopps.org
National charity which helps people with disabilities find work. They help with CVs, application forms, interview techniques and job-hunting skills. Manchester Disabled People's Access Group
Tel: 0161-273 5033
www.mdpag.org.uk
Works to improve access to buildings, transport, the environment, information and services. Shopmobility Manchester
Telephone: 0161 839 4060
Email: shopmobilitymcr@btconnect.com
Provides powered scooters, powered wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs for disabled people to use in Manchester city centre. Membership and use of the equipment is free. Will signpost people onto other branches across Greater Manchester. Ring and Ride
Tel: 0845 450 8090
www.ringandride.info (to be updated soon)
Door-to-door transport for people who find it very difficult or impossible to get to a bus stop or get on or off ordinary buses | 
