1981 was the International Year of Disabled People, it did a bit of good, but nothing to write home about, it didn't really change peoples opinions on disabilities and didn't make much changes to improve disabled people lives. The event also went ahead virtually unheard of and there was very little coverage in the media to promote any activity. So you would hope that mistakes had been learnt and the next time a similar event happened everyone would know about it, wouldn't you?

However, 2003 was the European Year of Disabled People and the same mistakes were made. Most people, especially able-bodied had no idea it happened, where was the coverage? Fingers are now being pointed at the press for the lack of coverage, we are slight to blame as well - but even the BBC disabled website, Ouch hold their crippled hands up in shame, Damon Rose from the site said,

"We have ourselves as disabled people to blame - if we all had a little more pride and wanted to shout about it, a culture would spring up, events would be worth going to and we'd be 'bigging ourselves up'."

The British Government are trying to back-up the EYDP, they spunked out £2.5 million supporting 270 projects across the UK and are certain that there will be continuous improvement from their money spent, especially towards disabled rights. They also boast that UK Disabled People's Parliament held there first meeting back in October. What that don't say though that it was such a big shambles ABLE2UK managed to write a whole page report about the lousily event! (see for yourself!).

Bert Massie, the DRC Chairman isn't as euthastic and thinks it's all too early before the Government can start patting each others backs,

"You'd have to look around Europe in about five years time to see whether there have been any lasting changes." He said, smoking on a joint. (No, he wasn't, we just added that bit for a laugh!

Some interesting stats were found though last year about the estimated 37 million disabled people in Europe. Only 38% of them have earnt an income which compares poorly against the 64% of able-bodied people. Although 97% of people believe more should be done to help integrate disabled people into society.

Unfortunaly with dickheads like David Blunkett around maybe people will change their minds!

A 4 year old won the 'Design a logo' award!