A brief history of disability in NI.

2000 - 2010

2001: Centre for Independent Living Northern Ireland is established.

2003: International Year of Persons with Disabilities designated by the UN.  A series of programmes and events take place across Northern Ireland.

2004: Promoting Social Inclusion Group on Disability established by OFMDFM to develop a disability strategy.

2004: Formal recognition of British and Irish Sign Language (BSL and ISL).

2005: Special Education and Disability (NI) Order comes into force.  Gives stronger educational rights for disabled people.

2006: Disability Discrimination Order (NI) comes into force.  It places new duties on public authorities.

2007: United Nations General Assembly adopts the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

2007: Following another period of political instability the NI Assembly and Executive return.

2009: UK ratifies the UNCRPD with a number of reservations.

2009: Promoting Social Inclusion Disability Reports are published by OFMDFM with 82 recommendations for government.