Everybody's Hotel Directory is to actively participate in a new Government led National Disability Awareness Campaign launched today by David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Education & Employment.

The campaign called "See the Person", aims to persuade the public to see and treat people with disabilities in the same light as able bodied people in all aspects of day-to-day life, right across society. The campaign will last for 2 years and use all forms of media to spread its message. Totally apolitical in nature, the campaign already has the support of many well known celebrities (including Kevin Keegan, Richard Wilson and Heather Mills), businesses (including McDonalds, HSBC, and B&Q), and disability organisations (including the Leonard Cheshire Foundation, and the Royal National Institute for Deaf people). Everyone is being encouraged to play a part in the campaign in some way. The campaign will also have a particularly special emphasis on the travel industry, starting with an awareness day later this year.

Speaking at the campaign launch, "Everybody's" Producer/Editor, Jonathan Kaye said:

"As a directory that aims to represent the very essence of the message behind the "See the Person" campaign,  I see it as very important that Everybody's Hotel Directory should be seen to be playing a part in this campaign. Personally, I've always believed that the creation of a greater level of public disability awareness is in many ways perhaps more crucial to society than any legislation could be."

For further information on the campaign, please contact Elaine Bromberg at the Department of Education & Employment on 0171 925 5316 (during weekday office hours).

(June 9th 1999)