It is estimated that around 20% of the population have a disability. For Norfolk that equates to around 170,000 people.

We are determined to ensure that people who have disabilities, whether they are visible or not, have the same chance to access our services or work for us as people who have no disabilities.

We work very closely with disability groups across the county to ensure that disabled people have a voice and can tell us what they want, need and expect from us. We work alongside the Disability Advisory Forum, who advise us on matters of policy and procedure whilst acting as a critical friend. By actively involving disabled people we can be confident that with their help we get it right.

The 2005 Disability Discrimination Act required us to publish a Disability Equality Scheme. This gave us the chance to work closely with several disability groups and gave us a good foundation on which to build future engagement and involvement. 

We have recently published our new Single Equality Scheme which will pull together all the existing legislation on disability, race and gender into one manageable piece of legislation. This gave us further opportunities to engage and involve our disability groups.

Here are some of the initiatives currently in place:

 

Autism Alert Card

People who are on the Autistic Spectrum can apply for a card which they carry on them. If they are stopped by the police they can hand the card to the officer which explains to them what they need to do.

 

Disability Advisory Forum

The Disability Advisory Form works to ensure disabled people have a say in the decision making processes of Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Police Authority. The input from the Forum has a key role to play in helping to increase public confidence in the police, particularly amongst disabled people.

 

Safe Scoot

Safe Scoot is an initiative instigated by the Constabulary and produced in association with Halfords promoting the safe use of mobility scooters. For more information visit our Safe Scoot section.

 

Reach Out

Reach Out is a network for staff with disabilities and staff who are supporting dependents with disabilities. They also welcome members of staff who support the networks aims and objectives.