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I DECIDE Coalition of Organisations of Disabled People

We are worried that if the Mental Capacity Bill becomes law disabled people will be stopped from making the 'small' day-to-day choices like eating the food we like and dressing in clothes we feel good in, right to what happens to our bodies together with the enjoyment of going out to work and having fun, moving home and having friends and relationships and in short having a life!

We are also very concerned that:

• disabled people will not be given a guaranteed right to supported decision-making (including interpretation and personal assistance)
• the Codes of Practice do not extend to relatives and informal carers
• disabled people's right to life will not be adequately protected
• disabled people could be used as human 'guinea pigs' for medical research.

In short the Mental Capacity Bill does very little to strengthen our right to choice and control over our lives, and in fact has the potential to further disempower and dehumanise us.

Press/Info Contact details: Tara Flood - Tel: 020 7834 0477.