East Lothian's Joint Strategy for Physical Disability or Hearing and Sight Loss 2013 - 2020 was launched on 29 October 2013 at Musselburgh Race Course. The strategy is for people aged 16 and over with a physical disability or sensory impairment who experience:
- Needs which stem from a physical and or sensory impairment
- Needs which are complex, i.e. severe and likely to have a combination of impairments (physical and mental)
- Activity limitation which prevents or interferes with the person's ability to undertaken normal daily tasks
- An environment which restricts their ability to participate, stopping the person from leading as full and satisfying a life as they would wish
The launch event was attended by 86 individuals with a physical disability or sensory impairment as well as carers and staff from voluntary and health and social care agencies.
Opportunity and Independence is East Lothian's first ever strategy for adults with a physical disability or hearing or sight loss. The strategy has been developed in partnership with people who use services, their families and carers, East Lothian Council, NHS Lothian, East Lothian Community Health Partnership and voluntary and private sector service providers in East Lothian.