An organisation which champions the rights of disabled people and promotes equality and independence is at risk of closure due to a shake-up in funding.

Disability Wales, which was established in 1972, stands to lose 68% of its income from April 1, due to changes in the funding it currently receives from the Welsh Government .

Chairwoman Wendy Ashton described the loss of core funding as a “devastating blow”.

Cuts to benefits and services

She added: “This is particularly serious at a time when disabled people – who make up one fifth of the Welsh population – are experiencing cuts to both benefits and services.”

The not-for-profit organisation had its recent application to the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant Scheme turned down and could close in four months’ time.

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According to the organisation, 20% of people in Wales are disabled and face higher levels of poverty than any other group of people.

They argue the situation has been worsened by continuing Westminster cuts to benefits and services.

'Massive impact' on disabled people

Disability activist Simon Green said the potential closure of the organisation would have a “massive impact” on the disabled community.

He said: “Without Disability Wales, there would be no national representative pan-impairment, barriers focused body able to co-ordinate the views of disabled people across Wales.”

Mr Green is the chairman of the Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People, which is a member of Disability Wales.

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He added: “Our coalition has benefited from being a member of Disability Wales for many years and if it wasn’t for Disability Wales, we probably would not exist.”

Disabled mum Rhian Gregory, from Cardiff, said: “It is really sad this could happen. It would have a negative impact on the disabled community who turn to Disability Wales for advice.

Could leave disabled people 'more isolated'

“In the past, I have gone to them about getting more support at home and they pointed me in the right direction.”

She added: “It it was not for Disability Wales and other organisations like the Disabled Parents Network, I would not have known where to start.

“I believe it might leave disabled people more isolated and not knowing where to turn for help.”

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Chief executive Rhian Davies explained that since the organisation was founded, it received its core funding from the Welsh Government’s Department for Health and Social Services.

The organisation aims to represent its members and influence government policy in areas such as independent living, hate crime and access to the high street.

Information and support

It also provides information and support to disabled people’s organisations across Wales.

The old-style funding was replaced by a new project-based grant scheme called the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant.

Ms Davies said the new grant has a “narrower focus”, meaning Disability Wales no longer fits the funding criteria.

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She confirmed that the organisation is currently in negotiation with the Welsh Government regarding a short-term support package, while a longer-term solution is identified.

She added: “We require an urgent response, as time is limited as we approach Christmas and the end of the financial year.

'Who will fight for disabled people's rights?'

“After more than 40 years as a national voice, Disability Wales has less than four months to ensure its survival. Who will fight for disabled people’s rights if we are not there?”

A spokesman for the Welsh Government confirmed that Disability Wales did not qualify for core funding from the Sustainable Social Services Third Sector Grant Scheme.

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He added: “The Welsh Government is working with Disability Wales to see how it can assist the organisation to manage the change to funding and to secure a sustainable future.

“This is a difficult time for all in the public and voluntary sectors as we cope with reduced budgets.”