DWP / ESA how can they improve their treatment of disabled people?

bevt2017 said:

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my discussion, and the information you have given me, has been passed on.

I just wanted to add, that there has been a bit of confusion to wear the meeting was suppose to take place. I thought the interviews were being held at the job centre, when infact they were being held at my local deaf society.
Also these interviews are being held at other organisations including people who suffer with mental health.

I should of only had half an hour for the meeting, but they let me talk for an hour and a half. 

when I went to the meeting, there were 2 gentleman taking the interviews. one gentleman was a disability employment adviser and the other was "PAN" disability(temporary contract).

These meetings were requested by the jobcentre, to speak with disabled people who have been through the ESA or P.I.P process.

Reason for this?
1) To identify problem areas
2) To try and amend / change the process.
3) To make the organisations aware of the frustrations of disabled people within those systems. 
4) To develop a plan of change to improve these systems.

They were blown away by how organised I was, and how the disabled community at "scope" spent time to write down their comments about how things needed to be changed. They said the list I had given them was going to be very helpful.

The information I took to the meeting:- 
1) A typed letter with information the community wanted to say.
2) A dairy of when I first contacted DWP with dates when I had my assessment, carers allowance, court case etc  to the present date.
3) All the information I have sent to DWP I.e doctors letters, hospital letters, appointment letters. prescription letters, a dairy of what procedures I have had, diagnosis  etc with dates and doctors I was seen by.
4) My assessment report, my complaint to ATOS and the apology letter I received form IAS.
5) Two complaints letters, one was to my MP.
6) And I typed out a letter telling them how DWP have treated me, and what changes I would like to change.

They told me when they have gathered all the information they need, they will be having meetings with senior members of both ESA and DWP. 

They both agreed that the way I have been treated was shocking and that I have highlighted that the system needs to be streamlined and speeded up.

They were also gobsmacked by my experience with ATOS and they will be putting this to DWP, because ATOS are representing DWP and their actions reflect on that department.

Both of the gentleman listened to what I had to say, they were very polite and friendly. if any of the community get the chance to attend this meeting, I would really recommend you do so.

I didn't get any sleep last night, so I'm having a few hours rest I'm exhausted. 
 
Thank you again everyone
bev x