§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans the Government have to improve the employment prospects of disabled people.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Government will continue to seek improved employment prospects for disabled 71W people through a programme of educating and persuading employers as well as by providing wide-ranging and effective practical help. Specific plans include the introduction of "Access to Work" on 1 April 1994, which will provide more flexible employment help for a greater range of disabled people, for example, communication support for deaf people, and support workers for people with severe physical disabilities, mental illness or learning disabilities. We have also published a consultation document with proposals for improving the way in which the sheltered employment programme can help severely disabled people.