Fife Independent Disability Network is a voluntary organisation and registered charity set up in order to provide a regular forum for raising issues relating to disability.  People come together in an informal setting to share information, and discuss relevant issues, whether relating to discrimination service improvements or more general queries.

In 1997 the network received funding from Fife Council to employ a worker to develop and support the work of the network.  This has proved to be a successful and valuable networking function for disabled people living in Fife.

In 2001 FIDN received funding from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust to employ a sessional worker to network in the West of Fife.  This work lasted for 6 months and helped spread word of our work to the West Fife villages.

After producing a Work Plan in 2001, FIDN decided to produce Briefing Papers to inform people of issues.  The first, on Transport was launched in November 2001.  The second, on Home Care, was launched in July 2002.

Research & Campaigning
FIDN recently listened to public concern about cuts to the Home Care Service.  Following a Network meeting we consulted with the Manager of the Home Care Service in Fife and were able to give examples of the real effects on ordinary people.  As a result £000s were added to this budget from the Scottish Executive.  We then commissioned independent research to get a clear picture of this service.

Community Action, Research, Campaigning, Consultation!
FIDN listened to concerns from members of the public over transport issues in Fife.  Volunteers from the Management Committee carried out research, produced a Transport Briefing Paper which informed every elected member (Councillors, MPs, MSPs) of the position.  This information was also sent to relevant organisations (Railtrack, Stagecoach, etc) and was used to brief Fife Council's Transport Department.  We also held workshops for disabled people to have an opportunity for their views on community transport to be heard.  This led to meaningful consultation.

Committee Work
|Members of the Management Committee sit on various committees in Fife Council, NHS, etc.  This way we are kept up to date with issues and have our say.  We also feedback to members via Network meetings and our quarterly newsletter.

Consultation
For example we have several members who represent FIDN on the Access Assessment Group in Fife Council.  We work alongside the Planning and Building Control Departments.  This means that often potential access problems are sorted out at an early stage.  It also means that FIDN via AAG can put pressure on manager.owners of buildings who do not go far enough under the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure access.