DISABLED people in Dorset have written and launched their own Bill of Rights Charter to fight for equality in all aspects of life.

Bournemouth People First, Poole Forum and People First Dorset have all worked together on the joint project to raise awareness about choices which some people may take for granted.

Organisations were invited to sign up to the charter which includes liberties such as the right to independence, the right to freedom of speech and the right to have feelings.

Amanda Frost, assistant manager at Bournemouth People First said: “Our goal is to lead a good quality life with the same rights and choices as everyone else has.

“It’s fantastic that these organisations and services give their support to the Charter, saying they believe in giving rights and choices to all people with learning disabilities in Dorset, for everyone to lead a better life.”

The Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Rod Cooper, leader of the council John Beesley and representatives from the emergency services and several businesses attended the launch at the Life Centre in Moordown on January 13.

They were given the opportunity to sign up to the Charter and have their logo displayed on the Bournemouth People First website. Canadian disability rights speaker Dave Hingsburger said: “The people with experience of having a disability and being a recipient of a service are the only ones who know what is needed to change.

“The Bill of Rights is a beginning of a journey.”

Bournemouth People First is an advocacy charity run by and for people with learning disabilities in the Bournemouth area.

Manager Amanda Parsons said: “We were thrilled to have so much interest from so many organisations.

“It really is such a heartfelt and important development.”