The number of disabled Asian people living in Bradford will "dramatically increase" in the next ten years, says a report out today.

But the research, to be considered next week by the Social Services disabilities sub-committee, reveals that substantial work needs to be done to help people access support services.

Now all organisations concerned are to take on a new strategy to bridge the gap between them and those they serve.

It includes:

encouraging staff to learn Asian languages;

cultural awareness training for staff;

further research into the setting up of support groups to help disabled Asians and their carers speak up about their needs.

Bary Malik works for the Asian branch of the Disability Information Advice Line which has helped more than 700 people since it started two-and-a-half years ago. It provided much of the research being used by the sub-committee.

He said: "It's a very positive step. It's the first time the local authority and Social Services have given it serious consideration. Now we want to see results."

Asians currently make up 28 per cent of Bradford's child population. A higher figure of 31 per cent of children who require a statement for special education are Asian.

There are also two-and-a-half times the national expected level of deaf children within the Asian community.

Social Services is now looking to develop research into the causes of disability and chronic health conditions within the Asian communities through closer links with Bradford and Leeds Universities.

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