Proud to be part of a piece of history

As the deputies threaded their way through to the House I knew I was going to be witness to a piece of island history.

The disability and inclusion strategy was passed – and not before time.

This issue has been very personal for me as I have had to take early retirement age just 50 due to ill health.

Also my father suffered a catastrophic stroke at just 30 years of age and even my old grandfather had a wooden leg.

So having the strategy approved is going to make a big difference to those of us disabled or less included? Well, no. That's not the way of these things.

But, the Guernsey Disability Alliance's slogan during this campaign, 'We all matter, eh?' says so much.

In the four years since I had to give up work I have had full support from firstly my ex-employers and then Social Security. I no longer rely on the Social Security but when things were desperate I was able to ask for help while maintaining my dignity.

Dignity – it's so important (apart from reality show contestants). We all have it. It's now official. Those of us struggling with disabilities, chronic illnesses etc are entitled 'officially' – and that's what's changed – to be heard and not disrespected or set aside.

I'm very lucky during my own struggle I have always been able to explain myself. The last thing I would have needed was to be at odds with the powers that be. From here on those who are less able to express themselves can have greater confidence to be heard and helped where it's due and that's official right, to the top.

It's a small change but it is at least a good start.

ANDREW LE PAGE.