As you probably know, the Government is in the process of introducing laws which make it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people. These new laws apply to us in the case of organised events like summer and winter schools, the annual Gathering, training courses, and meetings generally. There are two important things to be aware of.

First: "disability" can mean a whole range of things; not just being in a wheelchair. According to the Act itself: " .... a person has a disability for the purposes of this Act if he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities." This means we also have to think of providing such things as, for example, large-print versions of our literature, hearing-aid loops, and extra helpers.

Second: the Act requires us to make reasonable adjustments. What exactly is "reasonable", is not yet clear, and will be become apparent when tested in the courts. Obviously, we do not want to be part of this kind of testing, so we must do our best to err on the side of caution. It seems unlikely that we will ever have to cancel a whole event because a person with a disability would not be able to attend, as this would be unreasonable. However, if we can make some adjustment, for example by changing to a venue that offers the required facilities, then we must do so, and we must accept – within reason – the extra cost and efforts that this may involve. Small, local gatherings at friend's homes may or may not be affected by the act. In any case, we would not want any disabled person to feel excluded from community life because of their disability. This is not for the cynical reason of avoiding litigation, but because we are building a better kind of world that is by definition inclusive. So can you still go for a walk in the hills with some friends, even if a wheelchair-bound member of your community would not be able to join ? Of course you can! Feeling included means that a person feels loved and appreciated, and has a useful role in the community.

Finally, the Baha'i Council for Scotland will endeavour to provide such facilities as necessary for disabled people to take part in the events it organises. In turn, the Council asks anyone in the community who has a disability to make contact, so that it can take measures at an early stage.

LIFEBLOOD OF THE CAUSE

Dear Friends,
Did you know that,

• Every individual Bahá’í (that is man, woman, youth, and child) has the bounty and privilege of contributing to the Lifeblood of the cause?
• If you are a taxpayer the best way to contribute is by Gift Aid?
• You can allocate your donations to the various Bahá’í funds (International, Continental, National, Council for Scotland, etc.) You can buy a Bahá’í gift token for your Bahá’í friends and family instead of a birthday gift, which they may not need or want!
• Your community can consult on creative ways of raising funds for the new Bahá’í Centre in Edinburgh (be sure to consult the youth and children too, as they may have some really interesting ideas!)
• All donations from individuals, Local Spiritual Assemblies and Institutions should be sent directly to the National Spiritual Assembly’s finance office.
• You need to notify the treasurer of the Council for Scotland of any activities by individuals and institutions which may have funding implications, giving as much notice as possible and approximate idea of the expected expenditure.
• Expense claim forms can be obtained from the Council’s treasurer and all claims for expenditure for Bahá’í related activities should be sent to the treasurer with any relevant invoices and receipts.
• You can contact the Council treasurer if you have any queries regarding donations and any of the above items.

Warmest Bahá’í Greetings
Venus Alae-Carew
E: venuscarew@onetel.com