Right to Dream (R2D) Project

We are delighted that Deafblind Scotland and Visibility Scotland are partnering to deliver the ‘Right to Dream Project’ funded by the Scottish Government – Equality and Human Rights Fund.

Deafblindness and sight loss affects over 211,000 people in Scotland (over 180,000 people with sight loss and over 31,000 who are Deafblind). These individuals experience high levels of isolation and profound loneliness. Deafblind and visually impaired people are amongst the least visible in society.  Many are older and unable to connect with life in their communities without specialist support or adaptations to the way that we operate our public services and businesses.

Those involved will receive rights-based training/support so they can gain the skills and confidence to lead, influence and serve as rights-based champions. A rights-based policy toolkit and e-learning course for organisations will also be created by those with lived experience and operating as a peer-to-peer leadership group.

Over the past few months many of us have had a brief glimpse into how it feels to be isolated and have opportunities and freedoms limited. The isolation and inequalities this has caused is a daily experience for many visually impaired and deafblind people. As life returns to normal over the coming months for most of us, many of the social barriers and exclusions exacerbated by the pandemic will remain for many Deafblind and visually impaired people. This much needed funding will help ensure that people with dual sensory impairment and vision loss can participate in decisions that can make or break their ability to access a full life and to take up their role as active and equal citizens.

For further information on Deafblind Scotland, visit www.dbscotland.org.uk

For further information on Visibility Scotland, visit www.visibilityscotland.org.uk

Project funded by the Scottish Government Equality and Human Rights fund.