In the new millennium I want to see disabled people acquiring the same degree of control over their lives that other people have. To be disabled is to be no less human than anyone else, but far too often disabled people still have their lives ruled by others. No able-bodied person would put up with it. Access to intellectual opportunities and jobs as well as buildings and public transport need to be regarded as rights, not gifts society is generous enough to bestow on disabled people. Institutions are generally willing to adapt their buildings, but only when a disabled person needs them-and afterwards you hear grumbles that the money was wasted because "you never see" a disabled person using the new facilities. The record is appalling. Even the recent Disability Discrimination ACT fails to cover areas like education and transport, areas that are absolutely crucial if full citizen’s rights are to be extended to the disabled. Until recently people with disabilities were not legally allowed to use tile London Underground. Now there are a few slops, but still not remotely enough.